J. N. Hummel | Piano Septets

The two works on this release showcase Hummel at his best. The large scale D minor septet (1816) is a first-rate composition. The piano has an extremely taxing part, but everything is beautifully written for the other instruments. It can stand alongside Beethoven’s op20 septet as one of the most popular chamber works of the 19th century, and for many years after his death was one of only a few of his works that remained in the repertoire. The C major septet (1829) features the trumpet, hence the title ‘Military’. The influence of Beethoven can be detected in the stormy opening movement. The lovely dreamy slow movement, where the trumpet falls silent is a good example of Hummel’s romantic style where Mozart and Chopin meet.