|
Born: November 6, 1800 - Berlin, Germany
Died: August 10, 1886 - Steglitz, near Berlin, Germany |
|
The German composer, August Eduard [or Eduard August] Grell, was the son of the organist of the Parochialkirche in Berlin. He received his musical education from his father, J.C. Kaufmann, Ritschl, and finally from Zelter, on whose recommendation he received the appointment of organist of the Nikolaikirche at the age of 16.
In 1817 August Eduard Grell entered the Singakademie, with which institution he was connected in one way or another fir nearly sixty years. In 1832 he became its vice-director, under Rungenhagen, after whose death he was in 1853 appointed director, a post which he held until 1876. In 1839 he was appointed Hofdomorganist, and in 1841 was made a member of the musical section of the Royal Academy of Arts, with which institution he was connected until 1881. In 1843-1845 he was Gesanglehrer of the Domchor. In 1858 he received the title of professor, and in 1864 the order pour le mérite.
August Eduard Grell was one of the most learned contrapuntists of his day in Germany, and his works show him to have been not only an ingenious theorist, but a richly gifted artist. His greatest work is a Mass in sixteen parts a cappella, besides which he produced psalms in eight and eleven parts, a Te Deum, motets, cantatas, an oratorio entitled Die Israeliten in der Wüste, and many songs and duets. |
