Noted Lutheran composer Richard Hillert died February 18. He was Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois and was best known for his work as a composer and composition teacher. One of his most noted works is Worthy Is Christ, of which “This is the Feast of Victory” has been widely published in various worship books.
Hillert's compositions and publications include an array of pieces of liturgical music for congregation, choral motets, hymns and hymn anthems, psalm settings and organ works, concertatos, and cantatas, including settings of The Christmas Story According to Saint Luke and The Passion According to Saint John.
Hillert received his bachelor's degree in education from Concordia, and master's and doctoral degrees in composition from Northwestern University. He also studied composition with Italian composer Goffredo Petrassi.
Hillert taught at Concordia from 1959 to 2003, teaching classes in music theory and composition, music literature, 20th century music, orchestration, keyboard instruction, comparative arts and liturgical worship. He edited eleven volumes of the Concordia Hymn Prelude Series and was associate editor of the journal Church Music (1966-80).
Richard Hillert is survived by his wife Gloria Bonnin Hillert, and children Kathryn Brewer, Virginia and Jonathan Hillert.
February 22, 2010
The DIAPASON
