The first lines behind the title "Tempo di Valse" already suggest a Viennese waltz. The themes do not have the elegiac regularity of an English valse, nor the stiffness of a French waltz, nor the stomping of a Ländler with its over-emphasised "1". With the characteristic rhythms, Bertold Hummel hit upon the swinging vigour of a Viennese dance, which rolls along at a classically moderate tempo in free atonality and modern harmonies on the solo vibraphone. Although most of the musical ideas are played in one voice in wide leaps, two mallets per hand are often necessary to apply the modern four-mallet technique, four in chronological order. The lively first section is followed by a calm middle section and the ritardandi, which are essential for a concertante waltz performance, are always prescribed in the right place. The "quasi" third movement, developed from the themes of the first, leads to an effective conclusion. The pedalling, which is very important on the vibraphone, was probably prescribed by the arranger, the specialist Hermann Gschwendtner. The composer has not made it easy for the player, but if someone works through this fine piece, he will have great pleasure in it.

Richard Hochrainer