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Grell

Eduard Grell (1800–1886) is one of those wonderful composers whose legacy truly deserves to shine brighter. This German organist, teacher, and musical powerhouse was central to 19th-century Berlin’s cultural scene. After starting his career as a teenage organist, he spent two decades leading the famous Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, ensuring the flame of great music was kept well and truly lit.

Grell wasn’t just a conductor; he was a master contrapuntist and a key leader in the Palestrina renaissance, dedicated to reviving the purity of early a cappella music. His enormous Mass in sixteen parts is astonishing proof of his technical skill! He also played a vital role in music history by conducting the first performance of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio since Bach’s death.

Happily for us string players, Grell also composed three string quartets and a delightful Larghetto for four cellos, proving his ear for chamber music. We love composers who blend historical seriousness with beautiful, practical scores, and we’re thrilled to help bring these gems back into your rehearsal room. Join us in rediscovering Grell!

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