Johann Nepomuk Hummel is known by wind instrumentalists mostly for his famous trumpet concerto. However, this pupil of Mozart and piano virtuoso composed also operas,sacred music, chamber music and many other concertos for different instruments including this piece for oboe, composed in 1820. The work begins with an introduction in a very poignant and solemn adagio, with some surprisingly unusual modulations for a piece from this period. This is followed by four variations on a very enchanting theme which is probably taken from popular German opera. (edition Hafabra Music)