Johann Nepomuk Hummel: Trumpet Concerto Eb major: Trumpet: Instrumental Work

Hummel who early in his career became well-known in Vienna as a brilliant pianist studied with Mozart Albrechtsberger Salieri and Haydn and soon earned a high reputation as a composer. His style of composition derived from the classical precepts of his teachers: Mozart's influence is clearly discernible even in his later years. However as time progressed Hummel adopted elements from the emerging romanticism of the day and increasingly turned to a highly figurative style with a level of virtuosity which though appealing in its brilliance often served as an end in itself. Historically his piano music bridges the gap between that of Mozart and Chopin forming a transitionbetween the classical tradition and the fashionable style of the musical salon.The Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra dates from quite an early period in Hummel's career and was composed in 1803. In its three-movement design its formal layout and its melodic and harmonic workmanship the work still lies fully within the bounds of the classical tradition. This edition for Trumpet and Piano has been arranged by Martin Focke and the Solo Trumpet part which is also included on a separate insert has been edited by Joachim Pliquett.Note that the original key is in E major and that this version has been transposed down a half-tone as to make the piece performable on a B-flat trumpet.