Johann Nepomuk Hummel ( 1778 – 1837) was an Austrian composer and virtuoso pianist. His music reflects the transition from the Classical to the Romantic musical era. He was one of the most celebrated and successful composers of his time. The name of Hummel usually is related to two other musical giants of his period: Mozart and Beethoven. Hummel was a pupil of the former and a rival of the later, both being piano virtuosos in Vienna. Hummel’s piano style is influenced by Mozart in its adherence to the Classical Viennese Style and the grace and charm of his melodies. Beethoven’s influence is seen in the dramatic and sometimes stormy character of his music, whereas Hummel himself invented and developed his own personal pianism of unprecedented virtuosity and brilliance, which had great influence on piano composers after him (Chopin, Liszt and Schumann). This album brings together the two great piano quintets by Hummel, substantial works written on a large scale, counting among the best works in their genre. The Nepomok Fortepiano Quintet was founded in 1999 by Riko Fukuda and Pieter Smithuijsen to play music for the unusual combination of fortepiano, violin, viola, cello and double bass. The Nepomuk Fortepiano Quintet (named after their patron Johann Nepomuk Hummel) play on original instruments, the piano an exceptionally fine period instrument from the famous collection of Edwin Beunk.