Description
The accomplished and versatile piano sextet Sestetto Classico are renowned for their superb performances of both well-known and rare works of chamber literature. These master pieces by Bertini and Hummel are like miniature piano concertos in terms of their form, scope and virtuosity. "The Sestetto Classico players are absolutely first-rate, bringing off both pieces with fire and affection. Strongly recommended." (Fanfare)
Mozart's pupil, Haydn's successor and Beethoven's rival, Johann Nepomuk Hummel was a celebrated virtuoso pianist and composer who influenced a generation of Romantic composers. Captivating melodies, filigree embellishments, refined harmonic colours and pianistic exuberance characterise his music, all imbued with Viennese elegance and charm.
Hummel's Quintet Op.87 was the masterpiece that inspired Schubert to write his famous "TroutQuintet" and foreshadows Schubert's style by at least a decade, albeit in a more Italian manner. Sestetto Classico perfectly capture this lightness of tone and Hiroko Maruko's sparkling virtuosity shines on the Steinway D concert grand piano from 1912.
Henri Jerome Bertini's Sextet No. 3 is filled with melodic richness echoing Hummel and Mendelssohn. The minuetto-presto is not a traditional minuet but rather an uncanny scherzo in a minor key with contrasting lyrical sections. The pulsing rhythms in the spirited Allegro finale have a somewhat martial quality driving the work to a brilliant and rousing conclusion.
