Rheinberger's MESSE IN F, OP. 190 Set for Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bart's Today

The 19th annual Summer Festival continues today, July 21 at 11 am with a performance of Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's Messe in F, Op. 190 for men's choir and organ.

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839-1901) was a German organist and composer, born in Lichtenstein. At an early age, Rheinberger showed extraordinary musical ability. At age seven, he served as organist for his parish church in Vaduz. At the age of 12, he entered the Munich Conservatory, where he eventually became Professor of Piano and Composition. An influential teacher, he numbered among his pupils the German composers Engelbert Humperdinck and Wilhelm Furtwängler (also, well known as a conductor) and the American composers Horatio Parker, William Berwald and George Chadwick. Rheinberger was also a prolific composer. His sacred works include twelve Masses, a Requiem and a Stabat Mater. His substantial compositions for organ include 20 Sonatas, 22 trios, 12 Meditations and 24 fughettos.

His Messe in F, Op. 190 was composed in 1898 and was his last mass setting. It is scored for a choir of men's voices in four parts and organ. It possesses unparalleled maturity within the great German Romantic choral tradition from a composer whose works have been compared to that of Felix Mendelssohn.

The Men of St. Bartholomew's Choir will be conducted by William K. Trafka. Paolo Bordignon will be the organist.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place each Sunday morning at 11 am at St. Bartholomew's Church during the summer months. At a time when most churches reduce their musical offerings, St. Bartholomew's Church provides outstanding sacred music sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir and Boy and Girl Choristers, two of New York City's most renowned choirs. Works include an array of mass settings from the 15th century to the present embracing a diversity of cultures from around the world. The music is sung as part of the 11 am service, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place at St. Bart's, located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit the website for the complete schedule. The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bart's will continue on Sunday, July 21, 2013, during the 11 am service. Call ST. BART'S Central, 212-378-0222, for more information. Free.

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