Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was a prominent composer of the Classical and Romantic eras, though today his music is lesser known than that of his contemporaries. He studied with Mozart, was good friend with Beethoven and Schubert well, and had contacts with many other composers of his time.
Hummel's Piano Trio in A Major, Op.78 of 1819 was originally written for flute, cello, and piano. It is also known as ''Adagio, Variations, and Rondo'', setting seven inventive variations on the Ukrainian folk song ''Ikhav Kozak za Dunaj'', or ''Beautiful Minka'', a popular song also used by Beethoven and Weber in their work. It is an eminently classical piece, with rich ornamentation and impeccable form. This arrangement by Stephanie and Walter Preucil for violin, cello, and piano presents the piece in a clean and clear new edition from International.
