Classical reviews: February 15

Leopold Kozeluch: Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol.1. Kemp English (fortepiano). Grand Piano CD

Kozeluch was Mozart's contemporary. New Zealander Kemp English states some even consider him the finer composer. The Keyboard Sonatas of this early champion of the fortepiano are a ''treasure trove of late 18th-century Viennese keyboard style'' but have been rarely heard.

Now, the complete cycle of 50 sonatas are to be featured in this series on reproduction original instruments. Here, English plays four sonatas from the earliest year of 1773 (pairs from Op.1 and Op.2) all in major keys and world premiere recordings.

They show why the fortepiano took over as the keyboard instrument of choice about 1780. Kozeluch demanded clarity, delicacy, plus light and shade, so required his students also played that instrument, not relying on the softer sounds.

Highlight: Pleasant new music sensitively played.

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A Tale of Two Cellos. Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber (cellos). Naxos CD

Good original music for cello duet is rare; Julian Lloyd Webber filled the gap arranging this music, mostly written for two voices, from Monteverdi (Interrotte Speranze) to Arvo Part (Estonian Lullaby).

Catrin Finch adds harp to some tracks. Julian performs with wife Jiaxin, who studied cello in New Zealand, and in Holst's Hymn to the Dawn two more cellists join in to provide extra richness in harmonising. John Lenehan accompanies on piano, and arranged Piazzolla's The Little Beggar Boy for two cellos.

There are many warm and mellifluous gems in this tuneful recital. Twenty-one items including works by Purcell, Schumann, Rachmaninov, Saint-Saens, Shostakovich and Dvorak. Moon Silver was written by William Lloyd Webber, late father of the talented Julian and Andrew.

Highlight: Delicious cello sounds.

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