Composer: Johann Nepomuk Hummel
Performer: Stephen Hough
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67390
Release: 2003
Size: 216 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Sonata No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 81
01. I. Allegro
02. II. Largo con molt’ espressione
03. III. Vivace
Piano Sonata in D major Op. 106
04. I. Allegro moderato, ma risoluto
05. II. Un scherzo all’ antico: Allegro, ma non troppo
06. III. Larghetto a capriccio
07. IV. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata in F minor Op. 20
08. I. Allegro moderato
09. II. Adagio maestoso
10. III. Presto
Once more Hyperion is proud to champion music that has little seen the light of day in the shadow of the greats. Hummel was revered in his lifetime not only ahead of those we call the greats today but by the greats of his day, Schumann, Liszt, Chopin and Mendelssohn among them. Hummel’s unjust posthumous neglect lasted until only very recently. Never having been content with a repertoire of warhorses, Hough has throughout his career made a point of playing Hummel, whose music of such fresh imagination pre-echoes more familiar music. Chopin in particular was happy to use ideas prompted by Hummel’s example. We are at the bridge between the classical and the romantic styles and Hough’s instinctively virile elegance brings out the sense of adventure that is at the heart of Hummel’s vibrant imagination. A disc to explore and re-visit.