Album insights
Born in Pressburg, Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778–1837), though once overrated and now underrated, expressed resolute self-assurance in his immortal legacy, much like few other composers of his time. Identified as a prodigy, he relocated to Vienna at the age of eight to study under Mozart for two years. Upon returning to the city in 1793, he trained in counterpoint, composition with Salieri and Clementi, and received organ lessons from Haydn, swiftly excelling as one of the era's finest pianists. His extensive concert tours reached across Europe and he associated with eminent figures like Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Schumann, among others. Hummel's influence on young Romantics like Mendelssohn and Liszt was profound, reflected in notable similarities between his works and those of Chopin.
Hummel’s Piano-Forte-Spiel instruction, published in 1828 in Vienna, contained over 2,200 technical exercises and musical examples, setting a 19th-century standard for fingering and ornament execution in piano playing. Although posthumously, his standing diminished, critics like Edward Dannreuther questioned his inventiveness and warmth, deeming Hummel a hero of respectable mediocrity. Despite such critical sentiments, his works continued to inspire later pianists and composers and his contributions to piano literature were recognized and studied.
Acknowledged in the New Grove for over 175 compositions spanning various genres, Hummel left a substantial musical legacy. Notable works such as his Septet garnered widespread acclaim, becoming conversation pieces in Vienna due to their innovation and brilliance. Even with past criticism, contemporary pianists like Stephen Hough have revived and recorded Hummel’s piano concertos, solidifying their status as classics. In his curated selection of Hummel’s sonatas, Hough illustrates the composer's evolving style and influence, marking a distinct contribution to classical music.
The selected sonatas encapsulate Hummel’s evolving tonal language, from his early works reflecting Mozart’s influence to the expressive depth of his later compositions. Of particular note is his Sonata in F-sharp minor, op. 81, embodying a departure from classicism towards a more expressive, romantic style. The boldness and virtuosity displayed in this work earned acclaim from contemporaries, solidifying Hummel as a pioneering figure in piano music. Hummel's journey culminated in his Sonata in D Major, op. 106, revealing a mature neoclassical approach tempered with his distinct motifs and harmonic language, marking a considerable development in his compositional style.
Despite fluctuating critical reception, Hummel’s compositions, especially his sonatas, continue to showcase his unique voice, technical virtuosity, and enduring contributions to the piano repertoire. Through his works, Hummel left a lasting impact on generations of musicians, influencing the evolution of classical music for years to come.