(Johann) Christian Heinrich Rinck (1770-1846)began his musical training under Johann Christian Kittel, a student of J.S. Bach. As a twenty-year-old he became the city organist in Gießen, and later the university music director there. In 1803 he moved to Darmstadt, where he was active first as cantor and organist of the Stadtkirche, and then as court organist and chamber musician of Grand Duke Ludwig I.
In his compositions baroque contrapuntal influences are reflected in classical Roman form, where professionalism which never loses its foundation in the common people can be observed. His organ and church music compositions, in particular, set standards which are still recognized today.
