Josef Georg Vogler, genannt Abbé Vogler (1749-1814) - Stich von Johann Pleikard Bittheuser nach einem von Jeremias Georg Urlaub stammenden Gemälde

Georg Josef Vogler was born in Würzburg as the son of a violin maker. Due to his father's profession he soon came into contact with music and began composing as a young man. Elector Karl Theodor (1724-1799) promoted the gifted musician so that Vogler could continue his education in Italy. There, he turned to theology and decided to become a priest. During a stay in Rome, vogler continued his musical studies and focused on questions regarding music theory. Then, Elector Karl Theodor named him court chaplain and second bandmaster of the court of Mannheim. Vogler went on extensive journeys throughout Europe and finally became court musical director in Stockholm.

His studies in music theroy as well as his innovations in organ building made Vogler well-known all over Europe. He became particular famous for his musical depictions of battles and sea storms. Between 1802 and 1805 Vogler lived in Vienna where he was highly admired. He and Beethoven belonged to the same class and society. Emanuel Schickaneder (1751-1812) asked both of them to write an opera for the "Theater an der Wien". During an evening invitation at Josef Sonnleithner's place in 1803, the abbé Vogler and Beethoven took part in an improvisation competition where Vogler excelled. A listener described Beethoven's performance as less expressive than Vogler's.(S.B.)