1793–1861 · Germany · Romantic
August Neithardt (1793–1861) was a German Romantic composer, military bandmaster and choirmaster. Born in Schleiz, he served in guards units of the Prussian army and from 1838 led the choir at Berlin Cathedral. The site offers his "Rule Britannia" for mixed choir.
Heinrich August Neithardt was born on 10 August 1793 in Schleiz. He was taught music by Gotthilf Friedrich Ebhardt, the court organist of Schleiz.
Neithardt took part in the Wars of Liberation as a volunteer. In 1816 he was appointed a Prussian Stabshautboist, that is, a military bandmaster. He first served in the Guards Rifle Battalion and from 1822 in the Kaiser Franz Guards Grenadier Regiment No. 2. In 1840 he left the army.
By 1839 Neithardt had become very popular thanks to his own song "Preußenlied" ("Ich bin ein Preuße, kennt ihr meine Farben?"). On 15 June 1839 King Frederick William III awarded him the title of music director.
In 1838 Neithardt became head of the liturgical choir at Berlin Cathedral. Five years later this choir was merged into the Royal Cathedral Choir. Under his direction it became the leading German boys' choir and won fame far beyond Germany. In 1850 Neithardt took the choir on its first trip abroad, to London.
Neithardt also worked as an editor of church music, both older and newer.
August Neithardt died on 18 April 1861 in Berlin after a long illness, at the age of 67. He was buried in Cathedral Cemetery I on Liesenstraße. The grave has not survived.
Neithardt is counted among the composers of the Romantic era. He served as a military bandmaster, led the choir of Berlin Cathedral and edited church music. Among his compositions is Psalm 24, "Die Erde ist des Herrn" (Op. 134).
Neithardt led the choir of Berlin Cathedral, and the site has his "Rule Britannia" (Op. 141, No. 4) for SATB mixed choir, at intermediate level.