Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)
  Works for Solo Instrument and Orchestra

Potpourri for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 94 [18:42]
Adagio and Rondo alla Polacca for Violin and Orchestra [10:38] *
Variations on a Theme from the Berlin Singspiel
"Das Fest der Handwerker" for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 115 [15:07] *
Violin Concerto in G major [21:40] *

James Ehnes, solo violin and viola
London Mozart Players
Howard Shelley, conductor and piano
Recorded Blackheath Halls, London, June 2004
Chandos CHAN 10255 [66:20]
Premiere Recording *

The Chandos/Hummel/Shelley Connection: This new recording is the 9th
disc that Chandos has devoted to the music of Hummel, and most of them
have featured Howard Shelley as conductor and/or pianist.  It is fair
to say that no record company has championed Hummel's music as extensively
as Chandos, although a few other labels have also entered the fray.

The Composer: Hummel is one of the major composers bridging the Classical
and Romantic eras.  His music is steeped in the Classical idiom in terms
of generally good cheer, elegance, and precision.  At the same time, he
displays an increasing level of angst and drama, essential ingredients
of Romantic music.  I should add that Hummel's drama is infrequently of
a heavy nature, even in his sacred choral works.

The Program: It's a light program.  Some regret and remorse creeps in
from time to time, but home base is always comfortable and upbeat.  I
do find the Potpourri, a set of eight sections/variations, to wear out
its welcome long before its 18 minutes has expired.  The three other
works, each premiere recordings, are highly enjoyable although not among
Hummel's best efforts.

The Performances: Howard Shelley has been a strong champion for Hummel's
music, and his performances as both conductor and solo pianist on the
new disc show his customary identification with Hummel's idiom (not that
this is hard to do).  James Ehnes is the featured soloist in three of
the works, and he certainly possesses technical aplomb as well as an
attractive and sweet tone lovingly rendered.  Personally, I consider his
phrasing and contours a little too rounded; he could have whipped up
more excitement by offering greater edge and aggressiveness to his role.

Sound Quality: Excellent with a clear soundstage given to the solo
instruments.

Don's Conclusions: Those who have been collecting the Chandos/Hummel
series will surely want to acquire the newest entry into the field.
Others are in a position to pick and choose from the many Chandos discs
in addition to a few offered by other record companies.  For those folks,
my best recommendation is to start with the Chandos recording of the
Piano Concertos Op.  85 & 89 played by Stephen Hough (cat.  no.  8507);
this is a wonderful disc with music and performances superior to what
we find in the new release.  Assuming the Hough recording meets with
strong approval, some Hummel sacred choral music might be in order; a
recent Naxos disc is an excellent choice as well as two discs from Richard
Hickox on Chandos.  Basically, I don't think that the Ehnes/Shelley
offering is the Hummel disc to have if you want only one or two in your
music library.

Don Satz
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