Dussek: Complete Original Works for Piano Four Hands

About this album

Duo Pleyel releases its second album on Linn, following its ‘winning performances’ (BBC Music Magazine) of Schubert. Richard Egarr and Alexandra Nepomnyashchaya perform the complete original works for piano four-hands by the unjustly neglected composer Jan Ladislav Dussek. Born into a Bohemian musical family, Jan Ladislav led a colourful life, both personally and as a virtuoso. He was a much sought-after teacher and helped push forward the development of the piano. Before his death in 1812 (perhaps helped by a fondness for strong drink and rich food) he enjoyed the company of the great and the good from all walks of life and travelled widely throughout Europe. His somewhat roguish character led to him having to flee for his safety on at least two occasions. Once from Russia, where he was accused of participating in a plot against the Empress, and again from London, where a joint publishing venture (with his father-in-law and a certain Lorenzo Da Ponte) went bankrupt. Despite these dubious personal flaws, Dussek was an acclaimed and hugely important composer and pianist during his lifetime. Duo Pleyel offers you a delicious and hearty musical feast – it is time for Dussek to be back on the world’s musical menu.

Catalogue No.: CKD642

Label: Linn Records

Barcode: 691062064224

Released: September 2021

'Duo Pleyel use all the timbres, dynamics and attack of their period keyboard to tremendous effect. You’ll emerge wondering why this Bohemian composer isn’t more widely celebrated.' - BBC Radio 3 

'Their technically impeccable and stylistically exemplary reading stimulates a convinced and delighted audience ... we gladly recommend this charming CD.' - Crescendo

'This is truly a must-have disc for those who want to explore piano duet music from the crossroads of the Classical and Romantic eras.' - Fanfare