JAN LADISLAV DUSSEK (1760-1812): Piano Sonatas No. 24 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 61 "Élégie harmonique" and No. 25 in D, Op. 69/3, Les Adieux, Chantons l'hymen.

Description: No. 24 is one of Dussek's best-known works, a 15-minute voyage to the dark side, intensely chromatic and volatile in its opening movement and with insistent syncopated rhythms nightmarishly grinding throughout the finale. A fitting tribute to Dussek's patron, Prince Louis Ferdinand, killed in battle that year (1806). No. 25 (1811) anticipates Schubert in its first movement, has a sonatina-like middle one and a Chasse finale. The add-ons are showpieces derived from forgotten but then-popular operas by Charles Dibdin and Nicolas Dezède. Luca Palazzolo (piano). Original 1992 Rivo Alto release.