Josef Gabriel Rheinberger

Rheinberger was considered a musical child prodigy. The Liechtenstein composer and teacher was born in Vaduz in 1839. At the age of just twelve he began studying at the Conservatoire in Munich, and shortly thereafter created numerous important works.

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger grew up in Vaduz, and lived in Munich until he died in 1901. The composer was an extraordinary musical genius. As a seven year-old he played as an organist in St. Florin's Chapel in Vaduz. In Munich, at the age of 13, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Organist in the Court Church of St. Michael. When he turned 19 the Conservatoire offered him a piano lectureship. Shortly thereafter he accepted lectureships for the organ as well as compositions. Rheinberger was famous not just as a composer, however. He also made a name for himself at home and abroad as a music teacher. Over 600 students from around the world learnt their musical skills under Josef Gabriel. The musician left almost 200 published works by the time he died: Piano and organ music, organ concerts, masses, hymns, chamber music, symphonies and concert overtures.

Source: Rheinberger Society