Hummel's piano sonatas are generally considered his most compelling compositions, in particular the Sonata in F sharp, Op. 81, and the Sonata in A flat for piano, four hands, Op. 92. But his piano concertos also stake out an important corner of his output, with the Second and Third probably standing as his finest. The Piano Concerto No. 3 in B minor consists of three movements and has an almost identical structure to that of the Second. The opening panel is a lengthy Allegro moderato and there follows a subdued, short Larghetto, after which comes the Vivace finale, which finally breaks the pattern of the Second, whose closing movement is an Allegro moderato Rondo. The Third's first movement begins with an orchestral introduction that presents an intense, somewhat heroic main theme played by the winds, a theme whose direct manner has immediate appeal, sounding almost like a lost Beethoven melody. An alternate theme of playful, almost carefree character soon appears. When the piano enters, it does not reprise the main theme in the manner of Beethoven with his contemporary "Emperor" Piano Concerto. Hummel leaves statements of it to the orchestra, compensating with brilliantly inventive keyboard writing, whether in the deft presentation of the alternate theme or in the sublime development section. The second movement is a subdued Larghetto, featuring a lengthy introduction by horns that present the lovely main theme. The ensuing piano's rendition of it is vastly superior in its imaginative sense of intimacy and sweetness. The keyboard writing throughout the central panel is touching, especially in the final statement of the main theme. The Vivace Finale follows without pause, the piano presenting the playful main theme as Hummel once again creates an utterly memorable tune. Allusions to the main theme from the first movement appear amid later material, but the mood remains buoyant and light right up to its colorful ending. In sum, one must assess this nearly 40-minute piano concerto as at least a minor masterpiece, deserving of far greater attention than it has gotten.

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