A Great Series

It has been such a wonderful time getting to know Hummel's piano concertos.

And I still have one more to go in the Chandos series!

Each Piano Concerto from Hummel is a major work. Some lie more towards Classicism, while others eagerly show the sproutings of early Romanticism. Certainly the wind work is akin to that of von Weber.

All of them feature the composer's daunting, towering piano technique, which in the Chandos series has been tackled by British pianist Howard Shelley.

The London Mozart Players are a modern instrument ensemble; luckily Brilliant Classics offers a period instrument set for those of that persuasion. Their 20-set box is exhaustive in a different sense than that from Chandos, yet I wish the latter would have packaged up their volumes as well.

But Brilliant Classics only had three volumes of Piano Concertos, whereas Chandos ended on six, not counting the trumpet or mandolin concertos, nor the ballet suites. So for totality in these works from the same performers, this is the way to go.

One surprise in the paired concerto rondos from this recording in particular, was Hummel's use of col legno in the strings. I hadn't heard it used before from the composer, and it was a very exotic technique which caught me quite unawares. Otherwise they exhibit the same pianism showcasings as Hummel's other piano concertante works.

See you in the last review of the Chandos Hummel series!

A review from 2024

As always, the Chandos Hummel series leads with a hearty and inspired main Piano Concerto, paired with lesser known concertante works.

Filled with wonderful tunes, ardent lyricism, and plenty of piano showiness, Hummel’s piano concertos are all worth seeking out. This one in C Major offers more solo piano moments compared to the others; Hummel was never one for cadenzas for some reason. The C-Major key allows for trumpet and timpani to be included, and in that vein reminds this listener a bit of Haydn.

The two concert Rondos are ample filler material, with each timing just over 16 minutes in length. Unlike previous entries in this series, these two are more substantial sounding than some of the lightweight works paired in other volumes. They both almost overstay their welcome in their length, but as always with Hummel, they are always a pleasant affair.

When it comes to these piano concertos, Chandos really had the sonic layout down, capturing the St. Silas church space, yet without the echoey acoustic getting in the way. That isn’t always the case with the orchestral only and other-instrument concertos from other entries in this series. 

Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Piano Concerto in C Major, op. 34 (34.49)
Rondo Brillant in A Major, op. 56 (16.30)
Rondo Brillant in B-flat Major, op. 98 (16.10)

Performers
Howard Shelley, piano
London Mozart Players

Label: Chandos
Year: 2004
Total Timing: 67.38

 

This continues the excellence of Chandos' Hummel Piano Concerto series. I can't say any one sticks out without spending a lot more time them.

The exception may be the early entry with Stephen Hough at the keyboard, but any lover of the late Classical Era should listen to these wonderful works.

If the Piano Concertos are any indication, Hummel's piano sonatas must contain the same brilliance within them.

 

 

Find more Hummel recordings HERE!