Reinthaler, Karl Martin

1822-1896

German composer; born at Erfurt; began music study early under G. A. Ritter; studied theology at Berlin for several years, then gave it up for a musical career, and studied further under Marx. Frederick William IV. was attracted by some of his compositions, and made him an allowance which enabled him to study in Paris, where he was a pupil of Bordogni and Geraldi in singing and also in Rome, Milan and Naples. In 1853 he became teacher of singing in the Cologne Conservatory, and in 1858 organist and choirmaster of Bremen Cathedral, city musical director, and leader of the singing society, later conductor of the male choral society, all 'in Bremen. He was also made Royal Prussian musical director, and in 1882 a member of the Berlin Academy, receiving the title of Royal professor in 1888. He died in Bremen. His oratorio, Jephtha, has been frequently performed in h'is own country and others, and published with English text; the Bismarck-Hymne won a prize for the best choral work; other compositions for chorus and orchestra are In der Wüste, and Das Madchen von Kolah; two successful operas, Edda, and Kathchen von Heilbronn, the latter winning a prize; also songs, psalms, choruses, and a symphony.