Riem, Wilhelm Friedrich

1779-1857

 

German organist and composer; born at Colleda, Thuringia. Was a pupil of J. A. Hiller at the St. Thomas School, Leipsic, and in 1807 became organist of the New Reformed Church, and in 1814 of the St. Thomas School. In 1822 he was appointed cathedral organist in Bremen, where he also conducted the choral society, retaining both posts till his death. He composed, for the anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 1830, a cantata which was selected in preference to Mendelssohn's for the same occasion. He also wrote a quintet and three quartets for strings; sonatas for violin and for piano; a collection of organ music in two volumes for both church and concert use? a number of pieces and studies for piano; and songs.