Rheinberger, Josef (Gabriel)

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Rheinberger, Josef (Gabriel) (b Vaduz, Liechtenstein, 1839; d Munich, 1901). Ger. organist, pianist, conductor, and composer. Org. at Vaduz church at age 7. Taught at Munich Cons. 1859–65 and 1867–1901. Org., St Michael's, Munich, 1860–6, choral cond. in Munich and coach at court opera. Prolific composer of operas, syms., chamber mus., and choral works but remembered almost exclusively through his elaborate and challenging organ comps. which incl. 2 concs., 20 sonatas, 22 trios, 12 Meditations, 24 fughettos, and 36 solo pieces.