Vierling, Georg

1820-1901

German composer; born at Frankenthal, Bavaria. His father was highly educated, and gave to his son his first instruction in music. Georg entered the Gymnasium at Frankfort, where he took up a scientific course. His inclination for music was so strong that he devoted much time to it. He studied piano under Neeb at Frankfort, then at Darmstadt under Rinck for organ, and from 1842 to 1845 under Marx in Berlin for composition. He soon received the appointment of organist of the Oberkirche at Frankfort and became the director of the Singakademie. After the season of 1852-1853 at Mayence, where he conducted the Liedertafel, he returned to Berlin. He founded the Bach-Verein about this time and conducted it for some time, being succeeded by Bargiel. In 1859 he became Royal music-director, but retired to take up teaching and composition. His works are varied, including many vocal works, such as duets, part-songs, the 137th Psalm; Zechkantate and Zur Weinlese; the choral works, Hero and Leander, Constantin, and others. Instrumental works include a symphony, overtures to The Tempest, a capriccio for piano and orchestra, a piano trip, a grand fantasia for piano and violin, and many piano-pieces.