Born in Prague in 1737, Josef Myslivecek spent most of his short life in Italy, where for a while he enjoyed success with his many operas, and became known as 'Il Boemo' ('The Bohemian'). It was also in Italy - in Bologna - that he first met Mozart, in 1770. Their paths would cross again and in letters Mozart wrote about him with affection, describing him as full of 'fire, spirit and life'. Myslivecek's influence is apparent in Mozart's early operas, violin concertos, symphonies and keyboard music. His music soon fell out of fashion, however, and it is only recent decades that have seen more interest in works such as the wind octets, violin concertos and symphonies. In comparison, Myslivecek's output for keyboard has been somewhat neglected, something which the English pianist Clare Hammond seeks to rectify with her latest disc. The keyboard concertos in particular have barely seen the light of day since Myslivecek's death and the second concerto is recorded for the first time on this album which gathers all of the extant keyboard works. Clare Hammond, whose imaginative recording projects on BIS have received international acclaim, is here supported in the concertos by the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by no one less than Nicholas McGegan, whose expertise in 18th-century style is undisputed.

Tracklist:

Keyboard Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major: I. Allegro Comodo
Keyboard Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major: II. Andantino
Keyboard Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major: III. Rondo. Allegro
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 1 In F Major. Andantino
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 2 In A Major. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 3 In D Major. Minuetto
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 4 In B-Flat Major. Andantino
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 5 In G Major. Andante
6 Easy Divertimentos: No. 6 In C Major. Andantino
Keyboard Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Keyboard Concerto No. 2 In F Major: II. Larghetto
Keyboard Concerto No. 2 In F Major: III. Tempo Di Minuetto
Sonata No. 1 In C Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I. Allegro Con Spirito
Sonata No. 1 In C Major From "6 Easy Lessons": II. Minuetto - Minore - Minuetto
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I. Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Major From "6 Easy Lessons": II. Rondo. Andantino
Sonata No. 3 In A Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In A Major From "6 Easy Lessons": II. Minuetto - Minore - Minuetto
Sonata No. 4 In G Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I. Andantino
Sonata No. 4 In G Major From "6 Easy Lessons" II. Minuetto - Trio - Minuetto
Sonata No. 5 In F Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I, -
Sonata No. 5 In F Major From "6 Easy Lessons": II. Presto
Sonata No. 6 In D Major From "6 Easy Lessons": I. Allegro Con Brio
Sonata No. 6 In D Major From "6 Easy Lessons": II. Minuetto With 6 Variations

UPC: 7318599923932
Label: Bis
Release Date: 4.5.19
Format: CD

Myslivecek / Hammond / Swedish Chamber Orch - Complete Music for Keyboard (CD)