Jan Ladislav Dussek - Piano Trios

Jan Ladislav Dussek - Piano Trios
EAC RIP | WAVPACK + CUE + LOG | HQ Scans
CPO | Recorded: 1998 | Released: 2000
Trio 1790 (on period instruments)

Jan Dussek's music is mostly overlooked by today's general public, largely because much of it seems to pander to long-outdated tastes. These five Sonatas for piano, violin, and cello won't do much to alter that perspective, but they nonetheless deserve attention as examples of the work of a respected contemporary of Beethoven, Haydn, and C.P.E. Bach, who was a well-travelled and brilliant keyboardist and composer. The music is nearly on the level of Beethoven's Op. 1 trios in formal sophistication, but without the emotional intensity. Melodies are noticeably "lighter", technical demands less challenging. However, the use of period instruments by the fine musicians of Trio 1790 sheds light on these pieces that reveals some rather charming qualities.

http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=2755

Hummel / Dussek / Onslow - Piano Quintets

Hummel / Dussek / Onslow - Piano Quintets
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Brilliant Classics | Recorded: 2006 | Released: 2006
Nepomuk Fortepiano Quintet (on period instruments)

Hummel, Onslow and Dussek: maybe you have not heard of any of them. But looking at their dates of these ‘small masters’ one may notice their common denominator. 1778-1837, 1784- 1853, 1760-1812: in short, they are all comtemporaries of Beethoven (1770-1827). All three of them , but especially Johann Nepomuk Hummel, were piano virtuosos who composed as well.

It is not by chance that the name of the Nepomuk Fortepiano Quintet refers to the composer Hummel. The ensemble consists of piano, 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass. This unusual combination is similar to the one Schubert later used for his Trout Quintet. Since their foundation in 1999 the musicians specialize in performing such music on period instruments.

The three quintets on this CD have a classical form and have a pleasant optimism in common. Extremely clear, sparkling and contagious performances by this Dutch ensemble. This is how this music should sound. A beautiful sonorous recording.

The Ducth classical music magazine Luister (March 2007) awarded this CD with top marks: 10. 

- Johann Nepomuk Hummel: Piano Quintet in E-flat minor Op.87
- Jan Ladislav Dussek: Quintet in F minor Op.41
- George Onslow: Quintet in G major Op.76