Leopold Koželuch, born Jan Antonín, changed his name to avoid confusion with his older cousin, also a musician, and Germanized his Czech family name Koželuh ('tanner') to Koželuch.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Koželuch was an early and strong advocate for the fortepiano, believing the harpsichord's 'monotony and muddled sound' could not accommodate the clarity and expression he demanded in music.
Composer Biography
In 1792, Koželuch succeeded Mozart as Kammer Kapellmeister and Hofmusik Compositor to Emperor Franz II, a position he held until his death in 1818.
Composer Biography
Koželuch moved to Vienna in 1778, where he quickly established a reputation as a fortepianist, composer, and teacher.
Composition History
Koželuch declined an offer in 1781 from the Archbishop of Salzburg to take Mozart's former post as court organist, citing the Archbishop's treatment of Mozart as a deterrent.
Compositional Technique
Koželuch's keyboard sonatas often foreshadow later Romantic styles, with some minor key sonatas featuring dramatic slow introductions that pre-date Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata by nineteen years.
Performer Biography
Kemp English, the performer, completed the world première recording of Koželuch's complete cycle of 50 solo keyboard sonatas, earning a PhD for this pioneering work.
