Composed between 1807 and 1809, the four sonatas in this volume of Leopold Kozeluch’s complete cycle represent his return to the genre after a period...

Composed between 1807 and 1809, the four sonatas in this volume of Leopold Kozeluch’s complete cycle represent his return to the genre after a period of fourteen years. Whilst aware of the influence of the resonant new English piano, the Bohemian composer explored the special effects of the Viennese instrument. The Turkish sounds in the finale of Sonata No. 41 illustrate the timbres available whilst the romantic quality of his slow introductions, not least the Largo of Sonata No. 40, reveal his command of color and texture. Kemp English is one of New Zealand’s leading concert performers. Renowned as an exuberant entertainer, he is much in demand as a solo organist, collaborative pianist and specialist fortepiano exponent, relishing the opportunity to work in a diverse array of styles and periods.