Customer Reviews

Hummel: Piano Trios, Vol. 1

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got the recording of Hummel from the Musical Heritage Society with the idea to hear more of this composer. I thought that it would be a nice educational experience, but I did not aim high. If I would just listen to the recording a couple of times maybe I could catch the elusive trade mark of Hummel. Then I can say that yes, I have done it.
I was in for a fabulous surprise. First, even before I could concentrate on the Hummel's style I realized that the performers are first rate, unbelievably great, inspired and perfect with no effort. The pianist immediately caught my attention. He is Riccardo Cecchetti. His bright tone and energetic playing are just right, and are driving the melody from the background. I decided to forget all about Hummel first and just listen to the performers. (I know that it sounds strange, but this is how it happened). The violin, Luigi de Filippi, and cello, Sandro Meo, are superb also. The dynamics they do is unfolding effortlessly, is engaging and masterly beyond comparison. I normally hate when dynamics is too accentuated, it makes me feel sea sick, and it distracts from the music. Here, it was just the opposite. It drives the music and it dances.
I then listened more of this recording trying to bond with Hummel. Yes, he has some redeeming qualities and is pleasant enough. But, a bite of drama or a healthy dissonance, a bitterness which would make the sweetness more palatable, is missing. I do not think that I will listen to Hummel to distraction, like I do Beethoven, and I will not hum Hummel, like I do Mozart. But, I would just love to play these trios, the simpler ones. It would make a nice afternoon of music with friends. Some of the Hummel's music seems doable, at least to me, an amateur violinist.
The highest grade goes to Voces Intimae, this superb group from Italy! I would go a distance to hear them play! Bravissimo maestri! Five stars well deserved!

Hummel studied with Mozart and outlived Beethoven. In my opinion, this music is as good as many of Beethoven's piano trios. The performances were on period instruments. I think these pieces might sound better with a modern piano.