Johann Nepomuk Hummel - Septets (Capricorn)

Information

Composer: Johann Nepomuk Hummel

1. Piano Septet No. 1 in D minor, Op. 74: I. Allegro con spirito
2. Piano Septet No. 1 in D minor, Op. 74: II. Menuetto o Scherzo: Allegro
3. Piano Septet No. 1 in D minor, Op. 74: III. Andante con variazioni
4. Piano Septet No. 1 in D minor, Op. 74: IV. Finale: Vivace
5. Piano Septet No. 2 in C major, Op. 114 'Septet Militaire': I. Allegro con brio
6. Piano Septet No. 2 in C major, Op. 114 'Septet Militaire': II. Adagio
7. Piano Septet No. 2 in C major, Op. 114 'Septet Militaire': III. Menuetto: Allegro
8. Piano Septet No. 2 in C major, Op. 114 'Septet Militaire': IV. Finale: Vivace

Capricorn
Ileana Ruhemann, flute (1-8)
Christopher O'Neal, oboe (1-4)
Anthony Lamb, clarinet (5-8)
Stephen Stirling, horn (1-4)
Paul Archibald, trumpet (5-8)
Lesley Hatfield, violin (5-8)
Norbert Blume, viola (1-4)
Timothy Mason, cello (1-8)
Enno Senft, double bass (1-8)
Catherine Edwards, piano (1-8)

Date: 1989
Label: Hyperion
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_CDH55214

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Review

Even Berlioz, no great admirer of Hummel, conceded that he wrote some good septets and played the piano well; and Schumann, another doubter, was more influenced than he cared to admit, as Julian Haylock's note to the present disc mentions. The D minor Septet was certainly well known to Clara Schumann, who had it in her repertory before her marriage. It is a piece very much of its time, 1816, showing touches of Beethoven, and a few of Schubert (especially in some of the modulations and in the piano writing in octaves); there is also some of the dashing virtuosity of Weber, who thought it ''one of the composer's most successful works, on which he has lavished great care and feeling''. Part of this care goes into making the work a genuine septet, rather than a piece for piano and others.

In this respect, the recording is not all that successful. The sound is a little crowded, with a thumping emphasis on the bass at times, though for the most part the sparkling piano writing comes through well. Catherine Edwards is excellent, understanding not only the wit and verve of the music, but seeking to keep the piano well within the music in the first movement of Op. 74, where the instrument has a largely colouristic role, and taking the lead skilfully in the fine variations. The players deal well with these and with the vigorous interplay of the finale.

The so-called ''Grand Septuor Militaire'' is one of many such 'military' works which conquered concert halls in Napoleonic times; the difference is that, writing in 1830, Hummel is recollecting the genre and his own conquests in a certain tranquil- lity. The trumpet, which in this performance might have been rather livelier, naturally plays a leading role; but the real quality of the work is to be found in the Adagio, where the trumpeter is silent.

-- John Warrack, Gramophone

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Johann Nepomuk Hummel (14 November 1778 – 17 October 1837) was an Austrian composer and virtuoso pianist, whose music reflects the transition from the Classical to the Romantic musical era. Hummel was taught and housed by Mozart for two years, and later studied with Albrechtsberger, Haydn and Salieri. His main oeuvre is for the piano, on which instrument he was one of the great virtuosi of his day. Later 19th century pianistic technique was influenced by Hummel, through his instruction of Carl Czerny who later taught Liszt. Hummel's influence can also be seen in the early works of Chopin and Schumann.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Nepomuk_Hummel

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was formed in 1973 as a quartet for a performance of Messiaen's Quatuor pour la Fin du Temps. The ensemble remained together and soon expanded to include several other players. The group has established itself in the forefront of British chamber ensembles, becoming well-known for its deeply committed playing of a wide repertoire from the classical era to the present day. The ensemble has appeared regularly on radio, television and festivals throughout Europe. Capricorn has given premieres of many new works and has commissioned pieces from numerous composers.
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/a.asp?a=A125
http://www.dacapo-records.dk/en/artist-capricorn-ensemble.aspx

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