Search - Alexander-Max, Comberti, Standage :: Hummel: Cello Sonata, Piano Trios, Piano Quartet

Lovely

David Saemann | 06/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you know the work of the Nepomuk Pianoforte Quintet, you know how wonderful Hummel sounds on original instruments. The Beaux Arts Trio recorded one of the trios on the current album, but I don't remember enjoying it as much as I did here. The thread running throughout this CD is the excellent playing of fortepianist Susan Alexander-Max. My first acquaintance with her was on her first Clementi disc, and if anything her performances of Hummel are even more brilliant. She is the star in the Piano Quartet, playing an instrument copied from one made in the 1810's. She plays the same instrument in the Cello Sonata, where Pal Banda makes much of the solo part, although the pianoforte is still dominant. In the Piano Trios, Alexander-Max plays a copy of an instrument from 20 years earlier, and its pearly tone is very engaging. The last Trio features violinist Simon Standage, and his playing is highly alluring. If you think you know Hummel from hearing him played on modern instruments, I would respectfully suggest that you hear a CD like this to find out what you've been missing."