La Contemplazione

Featuring

Eloy Orzaiz
Johann Nepomuk Hummel
Franz Schubert

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Instruments

The fortepiano used in this recording is a Graf 1826/1827, built by Conrad Graf, who became the official constructor of the empire in Vienna.

Cultural Impact

J. N. Hummel was perceived by society as Mozart's 'heir,' a credential that many pianist-composers of the time, including Beethoven, would have desired.

Composer Biography

Franz Schubert, like Hummel, received his initial musical training from his father (violin) and brother (piano), both of whom were soon overwhelmed by his talent.

Composer Biography

Johann Nepomuk Hummel, born in Pressburg (modern-day Bratislava), lived with W. A. Mozart from age seven to nine, receiving free musical instruction, accommodation, and sustenance.

Composition History

Schubert wanted to dedicate his last three sonatas to Hummel, but they were eventually published by Diabelli in 1838, who chose Robert Schumann as the dedicatee.

Interpretation

The performer, Eloy Orzaiz, introduces each Schubert piece with a small prelude by J.N. Hummel, inspired by Hummel's improvisation on one of Schubert's lieder.

Historical Context

Vienna, embodied by giants like Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, was the European epicenter of musical and pianistic production between the late 18th and early 19th centuries.