Gottfried von Preyer

Gottfried von Preyer ( born March 15, 1807 in Hausbrunn, Lower Austria, † May 9, 1901 in Vienna) was an Austrian composer, conductor, director of the Conservatory of the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna and Director of Music of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.

Life

His father Johann MP Preyer (1773-1850), was a school teacher and choirmaster in Hausbrunn. Already in childhood dominated Gottfried piano, organ, violin and got a vocal training. Later he learned still playing wind instruments. He completed a teacher training in Korneuburg and studied from 1828 to 1834 basso, counterpoint and composition with Simon Sechter at the Vienna Conservatory of the Friends of Music Society. In 1839 he was a professor of harmony and composition at the Conservatory, and from 1844 to 1849, he served as its director. Preyer was 1844-1876 Vizehofkapellmeister the Vienna court orchestra from 1846 to 1862 court organist and 1853-1901 Director of Music of St. Stephen. He reached a respected and influential position in Viennese musical life of the 19th century. In recognition for his musical work, he was raised to the peerage in 1894.

He was a collector of images primarily contemporary French artists, but also owned works by major artists such as Hans Holbein, Rembrandt van Rijn, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.

Although Preyer came from a humble background, he managed to create a considerable fortune in the course of his life. He left as proceeds from his prized picture collection two million gold crowns, a then enormous sum, which he bequeathed to the Foundation of the Preyer Children Spitales in Vienna. The hospital was opened, although until 1915 after delays, but it still exists. Preyer is in a grave of honor in Vienna's Central Cemetery (Group 32 A, number 8).

1912 Preyergasse in Vienna Hietzing was named after him.

Works

Throughout his life Preyer wrote over 600, only occasionally printed compositions of sacred and secular music: In 4 Requiems, 5 Te Deum, about 25 fairs, hymns and chant, however, organ works, two symphonies, string quartets and songs. We know the names Noah and the oratorio and the opera Walladmor, The Freymann cave and amaranth. His compositions include sacred music, today the usual repertoire of church music.