Hummel Note
Research notes of composer Hummel
The life of Johann Nepomuk Hummel
6. Hardships in Württemberg
Frederick I, who had highly praised Hummel, died suddenly within a week of Hummel's inauguration. He was succeeded by his son Wilhelm, who had neither knowledge nor interest in music.
Hummel returned to performing, but there was something he couldn't help but worry about. As the breadwinner of the family, I had to support my wife and children. This may have been his original nature. Musicality was not the only difference from Beethoven. In the meantime, I was able to get a job as Kapellmeister of the Württemberg Court Orchestra in Stuttgart, where I had previously worked briefly. In addition to the general director of the orchestra, the condition was that Hummel could go on a concert tour, although it would be open for two months a year. On the other hand, the offer was much less than Hummel had hoped for, and he was at a loss. Nevertheless, in October 1816, he staged a new opera and presented his qualities as a pianist by presenting a new concerto (probably the famous A minor Op.85). When King Frederick I saw this, he was overjoyed and immediately appointed him Kapellmeister.
Unfortunately, however, Frederick I, who had highly evaluated Hummel, died suddenly about a week after Hummel took office. He was succeeded by his son Wilhelm, who had neither knowledge nor interest in music. He demanded the closure of the Stuttgart Theater and imposed a two-month period of mourning on his father's death. He also showed no interest in Hummel, and in November appointed theater manager Baron von Wechter to Hummel's post. According to Hummel, this Wechter "was the son of the Danish ambassador to the Berg cantonal court, an imperious aristocrat and, above all, a complete amateur in music."
Hummel, despite his talent, achievements and fame, would suffer the same fate as in Esterházy.
Problems appeared one after another. Hummel originally wanted Elisabeth to appear as a singer during his concert tours and opera performances, and it was supposed to have been accepted in the contract. Elisabeth actually sang at several concerts, but Wachter would not pay her. So, if she didn't get paid as it is, I decided to refuse her appearance. It is said that this involved political intrigue by Wächter and his ringleaders, who apparently did not like Hummel.
Unable to endure such treatment any longer, Hummel submitted his resignation in September 1818. However, it is rejected by King Wilhelm. From this, he obtained a great deal of effort and submitted reasons for resigning one by one, and even reached a simple trial. After all these hardships, my resignation letter was finally accepted after six weeks.
Meanwhile, the Stuttgart audience mourned the loss of his musical achievements and talent. It is said that he continued to regret watching Hummel's success even in later times. This disagreement between public opinion and politics has existed for a long time.