Carl Gottlieb Reissiger

Carl Gottlieb Reissiger, born 1789 in Belzig near Wittenberg, died 1859 in Dresden. Pupil of the Thomasschule in Leipzig (J. G. Schicht), then studied with A. Salieri in Vienna and with P. v. Winter in Munich, travelled to Italy in 1824 on behalf of the Prussian Ministry of Culture. From 1826 he worked in Dresden as music director of the German Opera, from 1828 he succeeded C. M. v. Weber as court conductor. He created an extensive oeuvre (including 10 masses with orchestra), which is characterised by a very melodic style, exemplary mastery of vocal writing and contrapuntal dignity. He was considered one of the most important musical authorities of his time.