Jan Ladislav Dussek, born Václav Jan Dusík in Prague, was a traveling keyboard virtuoso whose career took him across Europe, including patronage by Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette.
Historical Context
Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, to whom Dussek dedicated his Sonata Op. 61, was a fearless soldier and outstanding pianist who also composed, and was killed at the Battle of Saalfeld in 1806.
Instruments
The 1826 Conrad Graf fortepiano, with its viscous yet vulnerable action, allows for a special adventurousness in the Beethoven Op. 111 and Mendelssohn variations.
Performer Biography
Olga Pashchenko, born in Moscow in 1986, began musical studies at age six and gave her first piano recital in New York at age nine.
Interpretation
Olga Pashchenko plays two original Viennese fortepianos from the 'Schloss Kremsegg - Haus der Kultur' collection, one from 1812 by Donat Schöfftos and another from 1826 by Conrad Graff.
Instruments
The 1812 fortepiano by Donat Schöfftos, stepson of the celebrated Anton Walter, enchanted the performer with its ambiguous, magical voice suitable for both Beethoven and Dussek.
Album & Artwork
The album's program explores the subtle metamorphosis between Classical and Romantic artistic styles, featuring works by Beethoven, Dussek, and Mendelssohn.
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Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 "Waldstein" - Andante favori, WoO 57 - 6 Piano Variations in F Major, Op. 34
