Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was not only considered one of the most important composers of his time but was also widely regarded as the greatest piano virtuoso of his era. Today, among composers of his generation, only Beethoven's works can be ranked higher. Stylistically, Hummel's music generally represents the end of the Viennese Classical Era and the bridge period between it and Romanticism.
However, his cello sonata completed in 1825, clearly belongs to the Romantic rather than Classical Era. The graceful Cello Sonata in A major is romantic, spacious and immediately attractive. In the opening Allegro amabile, the music glides along with the cello expressively ‘singing’ over a rippling piano accompaniment. The lovely middle movement, Romanza, shows an affinity with early Beethoven while the extroverted finale, which has a tinge of a Hungarian rondo. The exciting coda provides an exuberant ending.
Our edition is based on the late 19th century edition made by the famous cellist Friedrich Grutzmacher, however, we have added rehearsal numbers and corrected mistakes. There are very few cello sonatas from the early romantic period and cellists will find this a welcome addition.
