From the storage facility to the stage
Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s historic fortepiano is to be restored
The Hummel Society Weimar is planning a musical tribute to its namesake: Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s historic fortepiano is to be restored in time for the 250th anniversary of the pianist, educator, and composer’s birth in 2028. With support from the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar, which owns and houses the instrument in its storage facility, the piano—built in 1829—is to be restored to playing condition.
“Restoring the fortepiano can bring back the sound of Hummel’s fascinating piano and chamber music,” says Weimar piano professor Thomas Steinhöfel, who has launched a fundraising campaign for the instrument on behalf of the Hummel Society. “The soundscape of the early 19th century will be brought back to life.” The instrument was crafted by piano maker Friedrich Fuhrmann and is a typical Viennese fortepiano from the late 1820s.
Currently, the grand piano, which once belonged to Hummel, is stored in the repository of the University Archives | Thuringian State Music Archives at the Weimar Music university. “Although in a regrettable condition, the largely preserved original substance argues in favor of restoration,” explains Thomas Steinhöfel. Once the restoration is complete, concerts are to be held again on the fortepiano.
Johann Nepomuk Hummel spent the last two decades of his life (1819–1837) in Weimar. He was employed there as court Kapellmeister and raised the local standard to a European level. His work as a composer, brilliant improviser, and teacher was also of great significance. Numerous renowned pianists, including Ferdinand Hiller and Adolph Henselt, emerged from his school.
The fundraising campaign for the fortepiano is already underway. The Hummel Society Weimar, a nonprofit organization, is supporting the restoration and welcomes donations to an account at Sparkasse Mittelthüringen, IBAN DE 19 8205 1000 0163 1653 35, with the reference “Hummel Hammerflügel.”
[9 June 2026]