Eduard Grell

Full biography Eduard Grell

Eduard Grell was a German composer and organist who was born on November 6, 1800, in Berlin, Germany. He studied under Theodor Kullak, Siegfried Dehn, and Richard Werst. Grell was known for his sacred compositions and his work as a choir director.

Although Grell was a successful composer in his own right, he is perhaps best known for his connection to Felix Mendelssohn and the Reformation Symphony. Mendelssohn originally intended to compose a piece for the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, but due to various circumstances, the commission went to Eduard Grell instead. Grell's composition was played at the celebration instead of Mendelssohn's, leading to speculation about Mendelssohn's reaction to the incident.

Grell's other notable compositions include a Duettino concertante for two cellos and strings and his work as a choir director at St. Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin. He was also a teacher at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin.

Eduard Grell died on August 10, 1886, at the age of 85 in Berlin, Germany. Today, he is remembered as a significant figure in German sacred music and a prominent composer of his time.