Ferdinand Hummel (1855 - 1928) was son of the flute player in the Royal Chapel in Berlin. The father forsaw the musical talent of his son and supported him, beginning with piano lessons at the age of four, two years later learning the harp, which became his favourite instrument. At the age of seven he was even known as a harp virtuoso. Beside being a harpinist he became master of the stage music at the Royal Schauspielhaus in Berlin in 1892. He was also dedicated to the male-voice choir, for which he composed numerous works.
About 1885, Hummel composed his
"Waldwanderung" op.48 (forest walking tour) for 2 - 4 horns and four-part male-voice choir
This composition consists of six songs:
Nr.1 Sehnsucht nach dem Walde (longing for the forest)
Nr.2 Wanderlied (L. Thieck) (ramblers' song)
Nr.3 Waldlied (W. Kritzinger) (forest song)
Nr.4 Waldrast (P. Willatzen) (forest rest)
Nr.5 Das Waldhorn (The French horn)
Nr.6 Abschied vom Wald (goodbye to the forest)
