Leopold Koželuch, born Jan Antonín, changed his name to avoid confusion with his older cousin, also a musician, and made his Czech family name Koželuh more manageable in German.
Performer Biography
Kemp English, the performer on this album, was part of the proofreading team for Christopher Hogwood's new Bärenreiter edition of the Koželuch keyboard sonatas, giving him exclusive access to the scores.
Recording & Production
This album features world premiere recordings of Leopold Koželuch's complete keyboard sonatas, part of a groundbreaking cycle by New Zealand fortepianist Kemp English.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for the early sonatas on this album was built in 1785 by Thomas Culliford, the great-grandfather of Charles Dickens.
Historical Context
In 1781, Leopold Koželuch declined an offer from the Archbishop of Salzburg to take Mozart's former post as court organist, citing the Archbishop's treatment of Mozart as a deterrent.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leopold Koželuch was an early champion of the fortepiano, believing the harpsichord's 'monotony and muddled sound' could not accommodate the clarity and expression he demanded in music.
Compositional Technique
Leopold Koželuch's sonatas often included a 'lighter' work for harpsichord aficionados, a technically brilliant work for exhibitionists, and a more dramatic work for budding Romantics.
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