Shelley is outstanding in this music, blending classical and Romantic elements perfectly.
These two concertos are wonderfully infectious.
The E major occupies a kind of bridge between Mozart and Chopin, although Mozart's depth and subtlety are in a different vein. Hummel is more of a show-off, and his music almost smiles at you, its charm and sparkle eschewing any pretentiousness. Throughout, Shelley conveys the music's joie de vivre, revelling in the figurative passagework. The Double Concerto may have been inspired by Mozart's Sinfonia concertante, K365; it doesn't have the same harmonic or lyrical variety as the E-major Concerto, but it's a charming work, especially when so persuasively played. Shelley's well-proportioned piano part is perfectly complemented by Hagai Shaham's sweet-toned violin. Shelley fulfils his dual role admirably, and the London Mozart Players respond well to his playing and conducting. The recorded sound is first-rate. A lovely disc. The Gramophone Classical Music Guide