Josef Rheinberger

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger
(17 Mar. 1839 – 25 Nov. 1901)

Josef Rheinberger was an organist and composer from Liechtenstein, residing in Bavaria for most of his life. As court conductor in Munich, he was responsible for the music in the royal chapel. He is known for sacred music, choral works, such as masses, a Christmas cantata and the motet Abendlied. He also composed two operas and three singspiele, incidental music, secular choral music, two symphonies and other instrumental works, chamber music, and works for organ.

Rheinberger is remembered for his elaborate and challenging organ compositions; these include two concertos, 20 sonatas in 20 different keys (of a projected set of 24 sonatas in all the keys), 22 trios, and 36 solo pieces. His organ sonatas were very well received but like so many composers he passed into obscurity after his death.

Rheinberger died in 1901 in Munich and was buried in the Alter Südfriedhof. His grave was destroyed during World War II, and his remains as well as those of his wife were moved to his hometown of Vaduz in 1950.

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