Johann Nepomuk Hummel Autograph

Profession:
(1778-1837) Austrian composer and virtuoso pianist - his music reflects the transition from the Classical to the Romantic musical era

Year of Birth: 1778

Johann Nepomuk Hummel was a classical composer and pianist of the late Classical and early Romantic periods. He was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, on November 14, 1778, to Johann and Elisabeth Hummel. His father was a musician in the court of the Prince of Bratislava, and Johann was encouraged to pursue music from a young age. He was taught by his father and then later studied with Mozart in Vienna, where he made his first public appearance at the age of nine.

He initially achieved recognition as a child prodigy, and his compositions were highly sought after by the Viennese public. He was invited to Vienna by the Prince of Bratislava to continue his musical studies. His music was heavily influenced by both Mozart and Haydn, and he wrote in a highly expressive style that was distinctively his own. Hummel wrote works for orchestra, chamber music, keyboard pieces, and operas. He was also a renowned pianist and often performed his own works in public, as well as those of other composers.

In 1802, he accepted a position as Kapellmeister at the court of the Prince Esterhazy in Eisenstadt, Hungary, and remained there for the rest of his career. During this time, he composed many works, including his famous Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major, and his Mass in B-flat major. He also wrote several piano concertos and many song cycles. Hummel was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and his works were highly influential throughout Europe.

In 1816, he was appointed Konzertmeister at the court of the Prince of Stuttgart and held the position until 1819. During this time, he wrote several chamber works, including his Septet in E-flat major, his piano trio in G major, and his Piano Quartet in E-flat major. He also wrote several operas and was an important influence on the music of Beethoven.

Hummel wrote many works for the piano, and his piano concertos remain some of his most popular works. His Piano Concerto in A-flat major is particularly noteworthy, and his Variations on a Theme by Mozart in C major is still frequently performed. He also wrote several works for the flute, and his Flute Concerto in D major is considered one of his most popular works.

Hummel died on October 17, 1837, in Weimar, Germany. He was highly respected by his contemporaries, and his influence can be seen in the music of many other composers. His music has been often revived and performed in recent years, and his works are still widely performed and recorded. His music was highly influential in the development of the Romantic era in music, and he is remembered as one of the great masters of the Classical and early Romantic periods.