Carl Riedel (6 October 1827 – 3 June 1888) was a distinguished German conductor and composer, renowned for his contributions to choral music. Born in Cronenberg, Wuppertal, Riedel initially pursued a career in the silk dyeing trade. However, the political upheaval during the 1848 Revolution in Lyons prompted him to shift his focus to music. Encouraged by conductor Karl Wilhelm, Riedel embarked on formal music studies at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he excelled under the tutelage of notable instructors such as Moscheles, Hauptmann, Becker, and Plaidy.

After completing his studies, Riedel became a professor of piano and music theory at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he taught for several decades. He was a significant influence on students, including Julius Reubke, who dedicated his "Sonata on the 94th Psalm" to Riedel.

Riedel's passion for choral music led him to establish the Riedelsche Verein in Leipzig in 1854, beginning with a small male quartet and growing into a celebrated choral society. The Verein was known for its performances of both ancient and contemporary works, including pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Berlioz, and Liszt. Riedel's dedication to the choir was evident as he took on multiple roles, including conductor, librarian, secretary, and treasurer.

In addition to his work with the Verein, Riedel was a founding member of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Musikverein and supported the Wagner performances at Bayreuth in 1876. He also edited important works by composers like Prætorius and Schütz. Riedel's compositions primarily consisted of part-songs for men's voices. He passed away in Leipzig at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as a pivotal figure in the German choral tradition.