Franz Josef Greith (* August 17, 1799 in Rapperswil; † January 1, 1869 in St. Fiden) was a Swiss music teacher and composer of the melody of the 'Rütlilied' (''Rütli Song'') written in 1820 by Johann Georg Krauer (1792-1845). He also wrote numerous patriotic folk songs such as 'Ich bin ein Schweizer Knabe'.
Franz Josef Greith was choir director at St. Gallen Cathedral from 1833 to 1860 as well as a singing and instrumental teacher at the Catholic grammar school. Together with his younger brother Carl Johann Greith (1807-1882), who was later elected Bishop of St. Gallen, he advocated a Cecilian style of vocal music and the revival of the old church chants. Both brothers opposed the introduction of instrumental music into the church liturgy.
In general, the biography of Franz Josef Greith is not only about the ''Rütlilied'' but also about the musical culture of the 19th century in St. Gallen, political and musical conflicts, political friends and a characterization of the various members of the Greith family.
(Source: Wikipedia [abbreviated])
Note: Translated from a German version of Wikipedia into English.
