A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Vierling, Georg
VIERLING, Georg. One of those solid, cultivated musicians, who are characteristic of Germany. He was born Sept. 15, 1820, at Frankenthal in the Bavarian Palatinate, where his father was schoolmaster and organist. His education was thoroughly well grounded with a view to a scientific career, and it was not till 1835, at the Gymnasium at Frankfort, that his musical tendencies asserted themselves. Without neglecting his general studies he worked hard at the piano, and afterwards at the organ under J. C. H. Rinck of Darmstadt for two years. 1843 to 1846 were passed in systematic study under A. B. Marx at Berlin, and in 1847 he became organist of the Oberkirch at Frankfurt-on-the-Oder, conducted the Singakademie there, and was musically active in other ways. After passing a short time at Mayence he took up his permanent residence in Berlin, and founded the Bach-Verein, which did much to advance the study of the great master. For some time past Vierling has withdrawn from active life, and his Bach Society is now conducted by Bargiel.
His works are all in the classical style, and embrace every department:—a Symphony, op. 33; Overtures to 'The Tempest,' 'Maria Stuart,' Im Frühling,' 'Hermannschlacht,' and 'Die Hexe'; a PF. trio. op. 51; 'Hero and Leander' and 'The Rape of the Sabines,' for Chorus and Orchestra; in addition to Solo and Part-songs, Pianoforte pieces, etc. His last work is a Roman Pilgrims-song of the 7th century, 'O Roma Nobilis,' for 6-part chorus a capella (op. 63).[ G. ]