Op.81 F♯ minor Sonata

Hummel's Piano Sonata No. 5 in F♯ minor, Op. 81, widely regarded as his finest solo piano work and one of the neglected masterpieces of the early 19th century. The choice of F♯ minor was bold — a remote, difficult key — and the harmonic language is among the most advanced of its era (c.1818). The opening movement's second theme is particularly remarkable, anticipating Chopin's nocturne style by over a decade. The Andante con espressione is deeply lyrical; the finale Presto con brio is brilliant and propulsive. Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Chopin all knew this work.

The Op.81 deserves to be treated as a major concert piece, not merely a 'historical curiosity.' Its emotional range is wide — from the brooding intensity of the opening to the tender singing of the slow movement to the driving excitement of the finale. Give it the same seriousness of preparation you would give a late Beethoven sonata.