The present CD brings together pieces from the years 1975 to 2002. Almost all of them were composed for children, for the composer's six sons (also for a daughter-in-law as a wedding present), for his wife Inken, as well as for a friend. In terms of
their clarity and resoluteness, they are similar to Bartók's piano cycles For Children and Mikrokosmos. Especially interesting is that the „acoustic scale" with the famous fourth step, derived by Bartók from the overtone series, runs through the pieces like a thread. It appears for the first time in the final movement of the Sonatine of 1975, manifests itself in the „Bimmelbahn" („Small Train") and in the „Marsch der Zinnsoldaten" („March of the Tin Soldiers") from the 10 Piano Pieces for Children and is to be found again in the „Präludium" („Prelude") and the „Kleine Melodie" („Small Meldoy") of the Tastenspiele. In spite of the greatest possible freedom and melodic breadth, the compositions never loose touch with tonality. As a pupil of Harald Genzmer and, once-removed, of Paul Hindemith, Bertold Hummel always elt the need to write for budding musicians. The title, Tastenspiele - A Small Piano Album for my Grandchildren, says it all. The idea is that children should become acquainted with the piano keys in a playful way. With an open mind, the composer includes the most diverse musical styles among his miniatures.

Works for ensemble by Bertold Hummel are available at M 55717.