Role

:

Composer

Genre

:

Band

 

Richard Hillert was an American composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on June 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Hillert began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Hillert attended Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he studied music and theology. After graduating, he served as a Lutheran pastor for several years before pursuing a career in music full-time. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. Hillert's career as a composer began in the 1950s, and he quickly gained recognition for his works. He was particularly known for his choral music, which was often inspired by his faith and his love of traditional hymns. Some of his most famous works include "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." In addition to his work as a composer, Hillert was also a respected conductor and educator. He served as the director of music at Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, from 1957 to 1988, where he conducted the college's choirs and taught music theory and composition. He also conducted the Concordia Choir of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's National Youth Choir. Throughout his career, Hillert received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was a fellow of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. He also received the Concordia Historical Institute's Award of Merit and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians' Lifetime Achievement Award. Hillert's music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His choral works are particularly popular among church choirs and are often performed during religious services and concerts. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator has had a lasting impact on the world of classical music, and he remains an important figure in the history of American music.

More....