Günther Ramin

Günther Werner Hans Ramin (15 October 1898 – 27 February 1956) was an influential German organist, conductor, composer and pedagogue, holding the post of Thomaskantor in Leipzig from 1040 to 1955.

During World War I, Ramin was drafted into military service; however, he managed to complete his examinations at the Leipzig Conservatory with distinction in January 1917 and on 30 May 1918, Straube was able to write to him on the front that he had been chosen as organist of the Thomaskirche.

After this appointment, Ramin devoted himself to performing Bach's choral works, earning for himself and the choir international acclaim through two concert tours to the Soviet Union (1954) and South America (1955).

Notable among them is his much admired (although severely abridged) 1941 version of Bach's St Matthew Passion, including as soloists Karl Erb, Tiana Lemnitz, and Gerhard Hüsch.

Among his notable students were Christoph Albrecht, Karl Richter, Diethard Hellmann, Hanns-Martin Schneidt and Helmut Walcha.