Seidel, Friedrich Ludwig

1765-1831

German organist and composer of works for the church and stage. Was born at Treuenbriezen, and studied music with Reichardt and with Benda at Berlin. Seidel was organist in Berlin at the Marienkirche; in 1801 was assistant conductor at the National Theatre there; in 1808 musical director of the Royal Orchestra, and in 1822 Court chapelmaster. He composed operas, among which the best known are Der Dorfbarbier, and Lila; oratorios; masses; motets; piano-music; and songs. He also wrote incidental music to dramas, and an oratorio, Die Unsterblichkeit, produced in 1797.