Austrian composer, teacher, theorist, and organist. Born in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna, he served as a boy chorister there from the age of seven, studying organ and figured bass with Dean Pittner. Subsequently, he received training in composition and organ, working as an organist in various regions.

In 1791, through the good offices of his friend Mozart, he was appointed assistant Kapellmeister at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, becoming Kapellmeister in 1793. As a teacher, he was recognized by Haydn as "the best composition teacher," and he taught Beethoven from 1794 to 1795. He also thoroughly researched the counterpoint writing styles from Palestrina to Mozart

and compiled them into theoretical treatises.

Albrechtsberger was a prolific composer, writing 284 sacred works, 278 keyboard pieces, and over 193 instrumental works. His other works include symphonies and concertos.