LEOPOLD KOZELUCH (1747-1818): Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 1 - 3 Sonatas, Op. 1, P. XII:8-10, Sonata in B Flat, Op. 2/1, P. XII:11.

Description: First in what is promised to be a cycle of all 50 of this Czech composer (and keyboard specialist)'s piano sonatas, of which all but the earliest five (to be heard on a harpsichord) will be performed on various fortepianos. Generally produced in groups of three, they often contain one "light" piece with sparing dynamic markings which would appeal to harpsichord types, a technically brilliant work for show-off performers and a "proto-Romantic" work which, increasingly, will foreshadow late Beethoven and Schubert. Unfortunately, there are no dates of composition given and, since the earliest five sonatas are P. XII:37 and 44-47, the Postolka numbering is not of much help. Still, a landmark series for the early piano sonata begins! Kemp English (fortepiano after A. Walter c. 1795).