Abendlied

Josef Rheinberger (arr. Joop van Dijk) - Abendlied (Evening Song)

The sacred motet "Abendlied" (Evening Song), opus 69/3, was originally composed by Josef Rheinberger for a six-part mixed choir. It is considered his most famous composition. He wrote the first version in 1855 at the age of 15. At the age of 24 he revised the motet and published it in 1873 as the third part of his opus 69, 'Drei Geistliche Gesänge für gemischten Chor' (three sacred songs for mixed choir). The other parts were "Morgenlied" (Morning Song) and "Dein sind die Himmel" (Yours are the Heavens)

Josef Rheinberger showed exceptional musical talent from an early age. When he was only seven years old, he already worked as organist of the parish church of Vaduz, at the age of eight his first composition was performed. In 1849 he became a student of the composer Philipp Schmutzer in Feldkirch. In 1851 he was allowed to join the Munich Conservatory. After graduation, he became a piano and composition teacher at the same institution. Many famous composers studied with Josef Rheinberger such as Engelbert Humperdinck, Richard Strauss, George Whitefield Chadwick and William Berwald.

Rheinberger was a prolific composer. He composed many religious works, including twelve masses, a requiem and a Stabat Mater. His other works include various operas, symphonies, chamber music and choral works.