Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 38, 39, 40 (Arr. Hummel)

Featuring

Uwe Grodd
Friedemann Eichhorn
Martin Rummel
Roland Krüger
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Recording & Production

The editions used for this recording are based on Hummel's English publications from Chappell and Co (1823-4), which were facilitated by J. R. Schultz in London.

Composer Biography

Johann Nepomuk Hummel, the arranger of these symphonies, lived and studied with Wolfgang Amadé Mozart in Vienna for two years when he was eight.

Composition History

Hummel's arrangements of Mozart's symphonies were commissioned by J.R. Schultz in 1823 and 1824 during Hummel's time as Kapellmeister at the Court of Weimar.

Compositional Technique

Hummel's arrangements of Mozart's symphonies give the majority of the melodies to the piano, with the other instruments often providing accompaniment.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Hummel dedicated his arrangement of the 'Prague' Symphony to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the poet, artist, and politician who served as Minister of State to the Grand Duke of Saxe Weimar.

Compositional Technique

Hummel's arrangements include changes to rhythms, articulations, and dynamics to accommodate contemporary tastes and his own virtuosity as a pianist, while preserving Mozart's harmonies.

Composer Biography

Hummel was renowned for his improvisational skills, once creating a spontaneous harmonization and fugue in response to church bells during a performance.