The virtuoso Czech pianist and composer Jan Ladislav Dussek lived a colorful life. Born in Bohemia, his career took him to Prague, Amsterdam, Den Haag, Hamburg, St. Petersburg, Berlin, London, and Paris. He knew Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, was a favorite of Marie-Antoinette and Catherine the Great, and a friend of Muzio Clementi and Joseph Haydn while in London. He then became the teacher and chamber music partner of prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. His last employ was as music master to Talleyrand in Paris. A composer rooted in classicism, his harmonic daring and expressive melodies would gradually anticipate early romanticism. This is particularly evident in these two late sonatas, whose pianistic brilliance was doubtless inspired by the new English Broadwood pianos. "Le Retour a Paris" is a moving homage ot the French metropolis, with pioneering chromatic modulations. In the passionate intensity of "L'Invocation," a masterpiece written in 1811, we sense some of the melancholy that darkened his last years.

Tracklist:

Piano Sonata No. 26 In A-Flat Major, Op. 70 "Le Retour À Paris": I. Allegro Non Troppo Ed Espressivo
Piano Sonata No. 26 In A-Flat Major, Op. 70 "Le Retour À Paris": II. Molto Adagio Con Anima Ed Espressione
Piano Sonata No. 26 In A-Flat Major, Op. 70 "Le Retour À Paris": III. Tempo Di Minuetto. Scherzo Quasi Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 26 In A-Flat Major, Op. 70 "Le Retour À Paris": IV. Finale. Allegro Con Spirito
Piano Sonata No. 28 In F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": I. Allegro Moderato Ma Energico
Piano Sonata No. 28 In F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": II. Tempo Di Minuetto Con Moto. Canone Alla Seconda
Piano Sonata No. 28 In F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": III. Adagio Non Troppo Ma Solenne
Piano Sonata No. 28 In F Minor, Op. 77 "L'invocation": IV. Rondo. Allegro Moderato

UPC: 812973015093
Label: Tudor
Release Date: 8.9.19
Format: CD

Dussek / Dadelson - Piano Sonatas (CD)