Piano Quintets

Hummel, Onslow and Dussek: maybe you have not heard of any of them. But looking at their dates of these 'small masters' one may notice their common denominator. 1778-1837, 1784- 1853, 1760-1812: in short, they are all comtemporaries of Beethoven (1770-1827). All three of them , but especially Johann Nepomuk Hummel, were piano virtuosos who composed as well.

• It is not by chance that the name of the Nepomuk Fortepiano Quintet refers to the composer Hummel. The ensemble consists of piano, 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass. This unusual combination is similar to the one Schubert later used for his Trout Quintet. Since their foundation in 1999 the musicians specialize in performing such music on period instruments.

• The three quintets on this CD have a classical form and have a pleasant optimism in common. Extremely clear, sparkling and contagious performances by this Dutch ensemble. This is how this music should sound. A beautiful sonorous recording.

• The Ducth classical music magazine Luister (March 2007) awarded this CD with top marks: 10.