Reimann, Heinrich

1850-1906

Eminent German organist and musical critic; born at Rengensdorf, Silesia; the son and pupil of Ignaz Reimann, and acted occasionally as a substitute for his father at the organ or piano. His father sent him to the Glatz Gymnasium and afterward to Breslau, where he studied philology, also conducting   a students' singing society and taking lessons of Brosig. After his graduation he taught at various gymnasiums, but gave up teaching to devote his entire time to music. He had already found time to conduct several societies, found a vocal school at Ratisbon and act as musical critic to the Schlesische Zeitung, besides writing various compositions and essays. In 1887 he settled in Berlin, where he rose rapidly to distinction in several lines of work, becoming musical critic on the Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung, organist at the Philharmonic Society and of the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Church, assistant librarian at the Royal Library and teacher of organ and theory at the Scharwenka - Klindworth Conservatory. He was prominent both as a performer on and composer for the organ, his works comprising sonatas, and studies. He published a biography of Schumann; Zur Theorie und Geschichte der byzantinischen Musik; and a collection of old songs, Das Deutsche Lied, arranged for use in concert. He died in Berlin.