Johann Nepomuk Hummel, despite his high reputation in his own time, was largely neglected by posterity, with his work not arousing significant interest even during bicentennial anniversaries.
Composer Biography
Hummel studied with the same distinguished teachers as Beethoven, including Haydn, Albrechtsberger, and Antonio Salieri, the Court Composer.
Composer Biography
Hummel became a pupil of Mozart in Vienna at age eight, lodging in his master's house as was the custom.
Performer Biography
Hae-Won Chang, the pianist on this album, was born in Seoul, Korea, and studied at Ewha University before receiving a diploma as a concert pianist in Germany.
Composer Biography
Johann Nepomuk Hummel, the composer, was a child prodigy who could read music at four, play violin at five, and piano at six.
Composer Biography
Through Haydn, Hummel became Konzertmeister to Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, effectively serving as Kapellmeister, a title Haydn nominally held.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hummel's piano sonatas reflect a transitional style, moving from the idiom of Haydn to more technically demanding writing, approaching the age of Chopin and his contemporaries.
