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Date: | Sat, 20 Feb 1999 12:42:21 PST |
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Leopold Kozeluch(1747-1818) was one of the more obscure composers of the
classical period. I first became acqainted with his music through his
string quartets issued on Supraphon; these are fine works. I also have a
disc of his piano trios and one of his piano sonatas. The piano sonatas
are relatively routine pieces not up to the quality of his chamber works.
Chandos has just issued another volume in its Contemporaries of Mozart
series; it's devoted to three of Kozeluch's symphonies. As with the other
volumes in this series, Matthias Bamert directs taut performances on modern
instruments. This is volume ten of the series which certainly illuminates
the symphonic history of the classical period. The series also illuminates
the differences in quality between Mozart/Haydn and the composers
highlighted in the series. Whether it's Kozeluch, Clementi, Gossec,
Stamitz, M. Haydn, Krommer, Bauger, Rosetti, Pleyel, or Vanhal,
Mozart/Haydn stand far above these other composers.
Although I'm glad to have each disc in the Chandos series, I'm starting to
lose any sense of differentiation among the composers in the series. All
the works are of moderate enjoyment without any truely memorable movements
- it's becoming a blur. Overall, these discs are fine and light listening
in your vehicle or while doing some domestic chores. I can't imagine
intently listening to any of them for more than 20 minutes, but I do have
trouble staying still.
Don Satz
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