*1784 Bonn - †1838 Frankfurt am Main
Ferdinand Ries was Beethoven’s pupil, and also his secretary. He copied, edited and corrected Beethoven’s works as well as assisting him in personal matters. After Beethoven’s death, Ferdinand Ries, together with Gerhard Wegeler, published Biographische Notizen über Ludwig van Beethoven (Biographical Reminiscences of Ludwig van Beethoven) (Koblenz 1883), which to this day remains the main source of biographical information about Beethoven.
Ferdinand Ries was an internationally acclaimed pianist, conductor and composer. His style was closely modelled on that of his mentor Beethoven; his works favour the piano, including his chamber works. Between 1813 an 1824, Ries lived in London where he conducted the concerts of the Philharmonic Orchestra.
From 1826 until his death, Ferdinand Ries lived in Frankfurt, where, in 1828, the premiere of his opera Die Räuberbraut took place, which then toured several other German cities. In 1837, Ries took on the post of director at the well-known Frankfurt oratorio society Cäcilienverein.
Further information: www.ferdinand-ries.de