Sunday, February 26, 2017

Johann Nepomuk Hummel - Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major

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What do you say about the last composer of the Classical era?  Other than he was the last?

Johann Nepomuk Hummel is almost unknown today, but in his time was one of the most famous composers in Europe.  Mozart's pupil, Beethoven's and Goethe's friend, Schubert's mentor, he was at the very heart of the music world, to the point where Beethoven asked him to perform at his memorial concert.

But he was the last of his school, as the musical taste of the public moved on to the grand romantic composers.  He died famous in 1837 and has slipped into all but complete obscurity.  That's a shame, as his music is from the heart of Classical music's greatest age, and fully reflects that.

3 comments:

libertyman said...

Sorry, late to class -- I have heard of Hummel, but as always you have some insights to share about him.

A beautiful performance, and as a former trumpet player myself, it is inspiring.

Many thanks for doing this.

libertyman said...

So let's see, Hummel was taught by Mozart from when Hummel was eight years old, performed for Haydn at nine. A fellow student, and friend was Beethoven as well as Schubert.
His music influences Chopin and Schumann.

So the moral of all this is : hang out with people who are wicked smart and talented.

That;'s why I go to visit my favorite blog buddies!

Chickenmom said...

Wonderful! :o)