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Jenny Soonjin Kim: Kozeluch Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Volume 1
ByBohemian Composer Leopold Koželuch (26 June 17477 May 1818) was a contemporary of the latter two (having been three-years old when Bach died). The composer find himself square in the Classical Music Period and his keyboard music reflects this. As a member of God's second team of keyboard players and composers, Kozluch has only the Italian Muzio Clementi (24 January 175210 March 1832) whose professional battle with Mozart rivaled that of Handel's with Scarlatti.
The question is not are these lesser known artists as important or talented as their better known contemporaries. The question is does their music stand firmly on its own. Absolutely. Koželuch composed and performed with a brio that is certainly equal to Mozart or Beethoven. His contribution may very well be considered less than those masters but it is not reason to dismiss the music. What Koželuch and Clementi offer the modern listener is a context in which to listen to all of the music of the period.
The present recording is novel in that it is recorded on the period forte piano, which sounds like an evolution of the harpsichord as it become the Hammerklavier. That is fine. Pianist Jenny Soonjin Kim plays with an almost Baroque flair well-fitting of the music. This is a most fine Volume 1 to compete with the modern piano performances of Kemp English on the Grand Piano Label (2013). The period treatment that Kim brings to the Koželuch sonatas gives them a crisp texture and very nearly tactile character.
There is nothing foreign to this music were one hearing it in the context of the classical period. That will be undeniable. Kim's performance is commanding and authoritative. The sonics are superb, being captured in the chapel of the School of Theology where Kim attends college. This is an inspired and inspiring collection that makes me glad for the "Volume 1" moniker...because that means there will be a "Volume 2."
Track Listing
CD1: Sonata No. 1 in F, Op.1 No.1; Sonata No. 2 in E Flat, Op.1 No.2; Sonata No.3 in D, Op.1 No.3; Sonata No.4 in B flat, Op.2 No.1. CD2: Sonata No.5 in A, Op.2 No.2; Sonata No.6 in C minor, Op.2 No.1.
Personnel
Jenny Soonjin Kim: pianoforte.
Album information
Title: Kozeluch Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Volume 1 | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Brilliant Classics