Hummel Edition

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Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778–1837) was a pupil of Mozart, a protégé of Haydn, a friendly rival of Beethoven, and renowned throughout Europe as one of the greatest pianists of his day, a sought-after teacher who instructed some of the most distinguished 19th-century virtuosi, the author of an influential treatise on the art of pianism, and himself the composer of over three hundred works covering all musical genres (apart from the symphony).

This edition provides a cross-section of Hummel’s excellent, prolific and unjustly neglected output, with a large section of solo piano music including the complete sonatas and etudes and a rich selection of chamber music featuring violin, viola, cello, flute, and guitar with piano, as well as larger ensembles from piano trios to septets.

Though not a symphonist (perhaps not wishing to compete in that arena with the undoubted genius of his contemporary Beethoven), Hummel had great skill with the orchestra, as this set proves with his many concertante works, all rivalling the well-known Trumpet Concerto, among them concertos for piano, piano and violin, bassoon, mandolin, violin (unfinished, completed by conductor–composer Gregory Rose) and the Introduction, Theme and Variations Op.102 for oboe and orchestra. Haydn’s recommendation of Hummel for the post of Konzertmeister at the court of Prince Esterhazy was the beginning of eight turbulent years at Eisenstadt. Fiercely independent, Hummel found fitting in with the manners and politics of the court difficult, and yet this was a very productive time. All his sacred music – represented on this set by a Te Deum, a Solemn Mass, the offertory Alma Virgo and the oratorio Der Durchzug durchs rote Meer for soloists, choir and orchestra – and several dramatic works including the opera Mathilde von Guise were composed during this period.

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Review excerpts of select works from previously released volumes in this volume:

Hummel: Flute Sonatas, Grand Rondeau, Trio / Daoust, Picard

The enthusiastic and committed performances by flautist Daoust and pianist Picard show Hummel’s music to be not only significant but also interesting and enjoyable.

– Gramophone

Hummel: Der Durchzug Durchs Rote Meer / Max, Kermes

The singing ranges from the adequate to excellent, the chorus sings with clarity and purity of tone, and the orchestral playing is quite good as well. Hermann Max conducts this music like he believes in it, and that helps to bring it to life. The recorded sound is warm, well balanced, and natural.

– Fanfare



Product Description:


  • Catalog Number: BRI95792


  • UPC: 5028421957920


  • Label: Brilliant Classics


  • Composer: Johann Nepomuk Hummel


  • Conductor: Didier Talpain, Diego Dini-Ciacci, Gregory Rose, Heribert Beissel, Hermann Max, Ludwig Güttler, Vinzenz Hladky


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: Alea Chorus, Das Kleine Konzert, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, Italian International Orchestra, Nepomuk Fortepiano Quintet, Rheinische Kantorei, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, Solamente Naturali, Vienna Pro Musica Orchestra, Virtuosi Saxoniae


  • Performer: Aldo Orvieto, Alessandro Commellato, Alessandro Deljavan, Alexander Trostiansky, Andrea Pecolo, Carmen Picard, Claudio Gonella, Costantino Mastroprimiano, Daniela Cammarano, Diego Dini-Ciacci, Edith Bauer-Sleis, Ekkehard Abele, Elisabeth Smalt, Elizabeth Dolin, Fabrizio Meloni, Franc Polman, Hans Jörg Mammel, Hans Kann, Hjördis Thébault, Jan Insinger, Kristine Gailite, Lise Daoust, Luca Magariello, Luca Ranieri, Ludwig Güttler, Luigi A. Bianchi, Madoka Inui, Mario Finotti, Martin Galling, Mary Louise Boehm, Philippe Do, Pierre-Yves Pruvot, Pieter Smithuijsen, Riko Fuduka, Simone Kermes, Veronika Winter, Wolf Matthias Friedrich