HUMMEL ‘Pot-Pourri’ – Duo Savigni

This album is dedicated to music for guitar and piano duo written by the renowned Austrian pianist-composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837). This singular formation of the guitar and piano was widespread at the beginning of the nineteenth century, particularly in Vienna, Paris and London. With the transition from aristocratic to middle-class patronage, amateur musicians increased in number, and guitar and piano were among the most popular instruments in middle-class salons. Playing an instrument had an essential role in social advancement, both for women and men: it was considered a fashionable activity, the best way to be introduced in good society and possibly find a partner or (exclusively for men) a more lucrative working position.

Consequently, it was common for family members to engage with different musical instruments and play together within the home, encouraging experimentation with new chamber ensembles, such as guitar and piano. In a city like Vienna, where music had such an important role in society, the guitar and piano virtuosos capitalised on the instruments’ artistic and economic potential. They played an essential role in the spread and popularity of both instruments, while composing a substantial number of solo and duo works. The success of this duo was also an opportunity for them to perform publicly, demonstrating, on one hand, their abilities as players, and on the other, promoting their own works and publications.

DIGITAL Audio:follow this link for the Label Website

Instruments: Fortepiano Johann Schantz (1762-1828), Guitars Anton Stauffer (1805-1871) six-string 1840 and terz-guitar from c.1842

Gut Strings by ToroStrings

Recorded in Reggia di Colorno (Parma, Italy), October 2023

Label: NovAntiqua Records

Sound Engineer: Enrico Pavan, Basement GROUP (VI)

Edit and Mix: Mario Sollazzo

Artistic Direction: TouchTheSound Project

Tracklist:

Pot-pourri op.52

Concertante duet (en pot-pourri)

Gran Pot-pourri National op.79