Philipp Rüfer

Philipp Bartholome Rüfer was born on 7 June 1844 in Liege (Belgium) into a German musical family, his father was an organist. He first studied at the Conservatory in Liege under Etienne Soubre (composition). Philipp Rüfer then continued his studies in Germany at the Leipzig Conservatory under Moritz Hauptmann (composition). 
After his studies Philipp Rüfer opted for a pedagogical career. He first taught piano and sightreading at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin. Later he joined the faculty of the institution that would become the Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory, where from 1881 onward he held a professorship in composition and related subjects. As a teacher he was influential; among his students were composers such as Charles Tomlinson Griffes, Georgy Catoire and Heinz Tiessen.
Rüfer’s professional activities included recognition by scholarly institutions. In 1909 he was made an associate member of the "Academie royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique". From 1896 until 1919 he also served as a member of the "Preußische Akademie der Künste" (Prussian Academy of Arts) in the music section.
Philipp Rüfer died on 17 September 1919 in Berlin (Germany).

Rüfer composed in a variety of genres. His output included a 2 operas (Merlin, Ingo), a symphony, a violin concerto, overtures, numerous chamber works, piano pieces, and songs. 

Bone pastor

In my possession is the autograph of the work "Bone pastor" op.37 for mixed choir and organ by Philipp Rüfer. The work is dedicated to his sister Mathilde and and was published by Leuckart in 1892.