Presents
Ferdinand Hummel
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Soundbites |
Ferdinand Hummel (1855-1928) was born in Berlin. His first music lessons were from his father a flautist in the Royal Orchestra in Berlin. He was given lessons in flute, piano, harp and composition, studying with several prominent teachers including Antonio Zamara for harp, Theodor Kullak for piano, and Woldemar Bargiel and Friedrich Kiel for composition. Subsequently, he toured as a harp virtuoso and then joined theBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1897, Hummel became director of the Royal Theatre in Berlin, As a composer, Hummel was very productive writing operas, chamber music, piano pieces and choral works. Unfortunately, today his music has disappeared except in Germany where a few of his operas occasionally receive performances.
Im Frühling (in springtime) dates from 1884. It is program music presented as a romantic serenade. It was dedicated to his friend, a Dr. Fritz Spiro, a Swiss writer and music arranger. It is in four movements each with a title. The first is Frühlings Wanderung (a springtime pleasure journey). Wanderungs were a typical German thing where mostly young people with rucksacks on their backs would take off on foot for trips that might last a week or two or perhaps a month with no particular goal in mind but to see the surrounding countryside. The famous German hiking song The Happy Wanderer (also Mein Vater war ein Wandersmann) aptly describes the mindset. The second movement is entitled Reigen, a round dance, usually a rustic country dance, akin to square dancing. The third movement is entitled Lied, a simple song. The finale, Frőhliche Heimkehr (joyous home coming), describes the feeling of the wanderer upon returning home.
The beautiful work showcases Hummel’s gift for melody and is sure to make a strong impression on audiences who get the chance to hear it performed.
Parts: $29.95
