Customer Reviews

Hummel: Complete Piano Trios

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You can't keep a good man down! Ah, Hummel, you sly devil!

With contemporaries like Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven all nipping and tucking with their piano trios simultaneously, Hummel (1778-1837) really had to know what he was up against, musically, if not psychologically and emotionally, and to stand his ground amongst these giants. No mean task; but our intrepid Hummel withstood firmly and added to the repertoire seven piano trios that are virtual founts of continuous invention, melody, and an enduring humanity that never fail to please nor touch us.

Naturally, by no stretch of the imagination can Hummel be considered a composer with the depth of a Beethoven (but, then, how many composers can?) or a Mozart (ditto); no, he's more akin to Haydn, especially in these piano trios. Yet, there is more to Hummel than meets the ear--- and although profundity does not run rampant throughout these works, neither are they mere superficial excursions or frothy entertainments. On the contrary, every trio is a well-wrought composition; from the earliest Op. 12 to the last, Op. 96, each offers up its own unique rewards and very special delights diverse enough to tantalize the most jaded palate.

The Trio Parnassus--- an absolute gem of an ensemble--- play these Hummel trios with a warmth and love that simply radiates. And how well-integrated these artists are! As near to perfection as one could wish for. Their immersion in this music is total and infectious and contagious. The recording, too, is topnotch in every respect. This is, indeed, heavenly stuff.

[Running time--- CD 1: 60:59 CD 2: 60:40]