Ferdinand Hummel (born 1855 in Berlin - died 1928 in Berlin) was the son of a flautist in the Royal Chapel. His father recognized and encouraged the boy's musical talent early on. Ferdinand received piano lessons at the age of four and began learning the harp at the age of six, which later became his favourite instrument. He made such rapid progress that by the age of seven he was already giving concerts as a harp virtuoso.
After his training, he worked as a harpist and in 1892 became head of stage music at the Royal Theatre in Berlin. In 1897, he was appointed Royal Director of Music. In addition to his work as a harpist and music director, he also devoted himself intensively to the men's 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)
