Customer Reviews

Hummel: Piano Trios

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Here's yet another composer who has remained fairly obscure--- not so obscure as to be unknown, of course--- but, actually, not quite on everyone's "Top Ten" composers list, either. Imagine trying to write music beneath the shadows of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven? You'd have to be crazy, persistent or talented (or any combination of these). What Hummel succeeded in doing was to assimilate--- probably with Mozart's prodding--- and use the musical influence(s) of his contemporaries. This was an intelligent thing to do because Hummel, most assuredly, is not what I would classify as a "great" composer, but his musical output has its gems. And this CD is a perfect example.

Nobody who has not been captured by the piano trios of Haydn and Mozart could fail to be absolutely smitten by these enchanting Hummel works. And, interestingly enough, Hummel is rather his own man. He's not Mozart. He's not Haydn, and he can hardly be accused of writing music too derivative, either. That's the wonder of it all. It should amaze us that these works can hold their own with ease.

Hummel charms us with perky melodies throughout, jaunty rondos and lyrical andantes. With the Beaux Arts threesome at their finest, and with good, warm sound, this music is never less than completely delightful.


[Running time: 68:55]