HUMMEL: Introduction, Theme & Variations for Oboe and Orchestra; Septet in D minor; Grand Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra in F major – Vladislav Borovka (oboe) /Ivan Klansky (piano)/Czech Nonet, Praga Camerata/Pavel Hula – Praga Digitals

by | Nov 20, 2008 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

HUMMEL: Introduction, Theme & Variations for Oboe and Orchestra Op. 102; Septet in D minor Op. 74; Grand Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra in F major -Vladislav Borovka (oboe), Ivan Klansky (piano), Pavel Langpaul (bassoon) /Czech Nonet, Praga Camerata/ Pavel Hula – Praga Digitals multichannel SACD PRD/DSD 250 243; 75:57 – Performance ***** Sound ***** [Not distrib. in the U.S. – www.pragadigitals.com]:

Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was a well-known and highly respected musician – pianist, composer and teacher. He saw towards the end of his life his music go out of fashion, and it is only fairly recently there has been a revival in his musical fortunes. As a boy, Hummel lodged with the Mozarts and was taught by Wolfgang; later on, he had lessons from Clementi. Haydn and Schubert dedicated sonatas to him, and he was a friend of Beethoven, Goethe and Schiller.

His music largely belongs in the late eighteenth century, clean and fresh in its classicism. The Septet in D minor with piano is a substantial work of nearly 40 minutes and was written in 1816; received warmly by the public this is a sunny work with intermittent dark colours. Vivacious outer movements raise the spirits with much charming writing. The piano part has a few virtuoso passages played admirably by Ivan Klansky, though never overpowering the other instruments. The combination of piano, flute, oboe, horn, viola, cello and bass is expertly recorded, too.

The oboe work probably dates from around 1825 and is a transcription by Hummel of a slightly earlier piece. A couple of years earlier, the oboe was improved in Vienna, now having ten or more keys, and Hummel exploited these improvements to show what could now be done, by writing a very demanding part for the oboist. In this recording Vladislav Borovka brings out all of the colours in the writing with wonderful variations in tone and with his warm tone.

The Grand Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra is an earlier work – written it is thought between 1805 and 1811 – and published only in 1957. Pavel Langpaul makes some rich chocolatey sounds with his instrument and his legato playing in the Romanza is delightful; the concluding rondo is huge fun.

Such urbane music is just a delight to listen to, especially when so magnificently played as it is here. The Praga Camerata under Pavel Hula acquit themselves excellently in the two concertante works and the high resolution recording quality is superb –  warm, well-balanced with just the right acoustic for the purpose.  Just perfect!

— Peter Joelson

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