Herman D. Koppel was not only a leading pianist for 65 years but also a prolific composer, with piano works playing a major role in his extensive catalog.
Composer Biography
Herman D. Koppel's parents, Polish-Jewish immigrants in Copenhagen, bought a piano for him before he was born, anticipating a career in music.
Compositional Technique
Herman D. Koppel's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 50, is his most extensive and ambitious solo piano work, being more than twice the length of his earlier sonata.
Performer Biography
Christian Westergaard, the pianist on this album, is a Danish pianist and accompanist who trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Music.
Composition History
The two piano sonatas on this album, Opus 1 and Opus 50, serve as significant milestones at the beginning and midpoint of Herman D. Koppel's compositional life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Herman D. Koppel viewed composition and performance as integral parts of himself, stating he could not do without either.
Performer Biography
Christian Westergaard has a special affinity for Danish piano music and has built an extensive repertoire of core works by composers like Niels W. Gade, Carl Nielsen, Herman D. Koppel, and Niels Viggo Bentzon.
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