HUMMEL, Johann Nyomuck, Austro Hungarian composer and pianist : b. Pressburg, 14 Nov. 1778; d. Weimar, 17 Oct. 1837. His father became music-director in one• of the theatres of Vienna, and removed his family there when the boy was seven years old. In Vienna he attracted the notice of Mozart, who took him into his own family and taught him for more than two years. The boys talent seems to have made a great impression on all the musicians with whom he came in contact, and the list of his teachers takes in most of the masters of the day, Haydn. So great was his success and appreciation that he was at one time considered to be a rival to the great Beethoven. When lie was only nine years old his father took him, on a two years' concert tour through Germany, Denmark, Scotland, Eng land and }Tolland, in all of which countries he was greatly admired as a pianist. In 1791 92 he lived in London, where his first composi tion, 'Variations for the Piano.> was pub lished. He returned then to Vienna and studied composition, etc., under Albrechtsberger, Salieri and others. From about 1803-11 he was in the service of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy. He justly ranks among the best pianists of the time, and his chief importance in music is due to his efforts to introduce correct and scientific fingering in piano playing. He trav
taught 1811-16. In the latter year he accepted a tall as royal orchestra leader at Stuttgart, where he remained until 1820 In' the same capacity he went then to Weimar, where he remained until his death, except for a trip to Paris and London in 1830, and to Dresden, Vienna and Italy in 1834. While his compositions number among the hun dreds, only comparatively few have survived the' test of time. Among these should be mentioned (Septett) (Op. 74) ; some of his masses (Op. 77 and 80) various (Rondo) (Op. 11, 49, 120); 'Variaton' (Op. 57) ; and a number Of lesser pieces for the piano. A complete list of his compositions may be, found in Either, (Quellen-Lexikon der Musiker and M-usiltgelehrten) (Vol. V, Leipzig 1901); and in Grove, (Dictionary of Music and Musicians' (Vol. II, New York 1911). His important book on 'piano-playing, (Ausfiihrliche Theoretisch Praktische Anweistuig zum Pianofortespiele, etc.' (3 parts, Vienna 1828), has been published also in English, French and Italian editions. Consult Neurnann, W., 'Die Componisten der Neueren Zeit' (Heft 99-102, Cassel 1857).