Dussek, J.L.: Classical Concerto 1

   in Piano International (Jan, 2015)
This disc presents three refreshing and delightful pieces to launch a new classical piano concerto series from Hyperion. The label’s parallel series of Romantic piano concertos has been one of the glories of the recent recorded past, and this release augurs well. Czech composer Jan Ladislav Dussek wrote 18 piano concertos in total. The first on this disc is an early work (pre-1783) in two movements. There is a distinct tinge of Mozart to some of the writing, and although it clearly does not equal that master’s output, it certainly deserves repeated airings. The Rondo finale is light and sparkly, with some wonderfully throwaway turns of phrase.

The C major concerto …