Wilhelm Kienzl (1857-1941) was an Austrian composer and conductor. He composed piano pieces, songs, choral music, chamber music, orchestral works and operas. His most successful opera is 'Der Evangelimann', which was premiered by the Berlin Court Opera in 1895.
In the 2nd act of the opera the tenor sings the beautiful aria 'Selig sind, die Verfolgung leiden'. Italian arranger Gottfried Veit arranged this aria for an extended brass ensemble with timpani.