Festpräludium für Advent

Johann Georg Herzog 1822-1909
Festpräludium für Advent op.72 I.
zum Choral: Wie soll ich dich empfangen

Johann Georg Herzog (1822–1909) was a German organist, composer, and prominent music educator of the 19th century. He received his early musical training from local musicians and began serving as an organist at a young age. After studying at the teacher training seminary in Altdorf, he worked as a schoolteacher, during which time he composed his first works and received encouragement from composers such as Christian Heinrich Rinck and Robert Schumann.
In 1843, Herzog became organist at St. Matthew’s Church in Munich and later also served as cantor. He published important church music resources, including a Protestant chorale book and a practical guide for organists. From 1850, he taught organ performance at the Munich Conservatory, mentoring several influential musicians, including Josef Gabriel Rheinberger.
In 1854, Herzog was appointed professor at the University of Erlangen, where he helped establish and lead the Institute for Church Music. He also worked as a church organist, choir director, and music director, organized historical concerts, and significantly shaped Protestant church music education in Germany. After a long and distinguished career, he retired in 1888 and spent his final years in Munich, where he died in 1909.