Juxtaposing early and late sonatas reveals just how much Leopold Koželuch’s style changed over a thirty-year period. The three early sonatas from the 1770s, though harmonically modest, fizz with Rococo charm and elegance. The late sonatas meanwhile were intended for a fortepiano, which had eclipsed the harpsichord, and are two-movement works. They feature bustling rondos and deft janissary devices, one of which is the buzzing effect generated by a knee lever on the original 1815 Johann Fritz instrument used in this recording.

Kemp English is one of New Zealand’s leading concert performers. Much in demand as a solo organist, collaborative pianist, and specialist fortepiano exponent, he relishes the opportunity to work in a diverse array of styles and periods. He enjoyed a distinguished studentship at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later completed a Master of Arts degree in Music Performance at the University of York. In 2001 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music – an honour recognising former students of the Academy who have achieved distinction in the profession.