Ferdinand Hummel (1855–1928)
Ferdinand Hummel was born in Berlin in 1855 and died there in 1928. He was the son of a flautist in the Royal Orchestra (Königliche Kapelle). His father recognised and encouraged the boy’s musical talent at an early age. Ferdinand began piano lessons at the age of four and started learning the harp at six, which later became his favourite instrument. He made such rapid progress that he was already giving concerts as a harp virtuoso at the age of seven.
After completing his training he worked as a harpist, and in 1892 he became head of stage music at the Royal Theatre (Königliches Schauspielhaus) in Berlin. In 1897 he was appointed Royal Music Director there. Alongside his work as a harpist and music director, he devoted himself intensively to the male choir, for which he composed numerous works.
“Waldwanderung” (Forest Ramble) Op. 48 for 2–4 Horns and Four-Part Male Choir
Hummel composed the “Waldwanderung” around 1885. The work consists of six songs:
- Sehnsucht nach dem Walde (Longing for the Forest)
- Wanderlied (Hiking Song; Ludwig Tieck)
- Waldlied (Forest Song; W. Kritzinger)
- Waldrast (Rest in the Forest; P. Willatzen)
- Das Waldhorn (The Forest Horn)
- Abschied vom Wald (Farewell to the Forest)