James Ehnes, London Mozart Players, Howard Shelley - Hummel: Adagio and Rondo alla Polacca, Violin Concerto, Piano Variations, Potpourri (2004)

In exploring the music of Johann Nepomuk Hummel, listeners may feel inclined to be open-minded; after all, this composer was once considered the equal of Beethoven, if not his superior, so there must be some value in his works. Notwithstanding the fine performances of violinist and violist James Ehnes, pianist and conductor Howard Shelley, and the London Mozart Players, the works on this 2004 Chandos release are only light trifles that have been substantially edited and, in the case of the unpublished Violin Concerto in G major, completed for this release. If it seems that Shelley and company have scoured the attic to find Hummel obscurities, then it should come as no surprise that these four selections are merely pleasant crowd pleasers, and far from great revelations by a neglected genius. The Potpourri (mit Fantasie), Op. 94, may please because of its familiar quotations from Mozart, and the Piano Variations, Op. 115, may be charming for its early Romantic lyricism. But the Adagio and Rondo alla Polacca and the Violin Concerto are bland and unmemorable, despite the technical challenges presented to the capable Ehnes. This, then, is a CD for Hummel specialists and Classical historians, but it is not essential listening by any means. Chandos provides excellent sound quality.