Josef Rheinberger

German organist, composer and teacher Josef Rheinberger was born on 17 March 1839 in Liechtenstein, where his father was treasurer to Prince Aloys II. At the age of seven he was working as an organist at Vaduz parish church, and his first piece was performed the next year.

He studied at the Munich Conservatory, later becoming professor of piano and then composition there. He later became répétiteur at Munich's Court Theatre, and later still court conductor, in charge of the music for the royal chapel.

His music includes twelve masses, a Requiem and a Stabat Mater, plus operas, symphonies and chamber music, but he is remembered mainly for his complex organ works.

His students included Engelbert Humperdinck, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, Horatio Parker, Wilhelm Furtwängler and the poetess and socialite Franziska von Hoffnaass, whom he later married.

He died in Munich on 25 November 1901. After his grave was destroyed in World War II, his remains were transported to his birth town of Vaduz.

 

A selection of articles about Josef Rheinberger

Ensemble. Diction and Projection - A performance by The Hills Singers impresses Keith Bramich

Ensemble. Aural Perspective - A visit from Osnabrück by the Marienkantorei, for Elgar, Rheinberger and Mendelssohn, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sharing the Honours - Rheinberger and Parry from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Vocal Chamber Music - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Mosaic at Derby Cathedral

Ensemble. An Involving Account - A visit from Die Marienkantorei, Osnabrück, heard by Mike Wheeler

Considerable Beauty - An organ recital by John Hosking, heard by Tony Westerman

Technique and Musicianship - Tony Westerman is impressed by the organ playing of Tom Corfield

Ensemble. A Sense of Joy - The Gough Duo at Derby Cathedral impresses Tony Westerman

Wacky and Serious - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Ben Bloor's command of the Derby Cathedral organ

Mysterious and Interesting - Hans Hielscher at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Majesty, Moment and Control - Ben Bloor's concluding recital for Derby Cathedral's 2010 summer organ series impresses Tony Westerman

Scholarship and Humour - Simon Lindley opens Derby Cathedral's summer season of organ recitals, reviewed by Tony Westerman

Ensemble. Depth and Sonority - The first concert by Malcolm Goldring and the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Grand Scale - Mike Wheeler attends summer organ recitals by Tom Corfield and Johan Hermans