Carl Martin Reinthaler

Full biography Carl Martin Reinthaler

Carl Martin Reinthaler (1822-1896) was a German composer and organist. He was born in Erfurt, Germany, on October 13, 1822. Reinthaler started his musical career as a musician in the Erfurt Cathedral Choir, and later moved to Bremen where he became the organist at St. Ansgarii Church.

While he was in Bremen, Reinthaler became the director of music at the Bremen Cathedral , where he worked closely with Johannes Brahms. In fact, Brahms even wrote a letter to Reinthaler in 1867, remarking on his expertise in choir training and expressing his admiration for Reinthaler's work.

Reinthaler composed a number of works for choir, including his setting of the chorale "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott", which remains a popular piece in Protestant hymnals. He also composed chamber music, including a string quartet and a sonata for cello and piano.

Reinthaler died in Bremen on February 13, 1896, at the age of 73. Today, he is primarily remembered for his contributions as a composer and choir trainer, particularly for his collaborations with Brahms and his work in developing choral music in Germany.