Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (1736-1809) - Lithographie von Heinrich E. Winter, wohl nach einer eigenen Zeichnung von 1815, München?

Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (1736-1809) was one of the most famous musical theorists of the 18th century. He held the position of court organist in Vienna. In 1792, he became choir-master at St. Stephan. Albrechtsberger was mainly known as representative of the classical contrapuntal style. He was considered the best teacher of composition in Vienna. In 1790, among others, he wrote a textbook about the art of composition.

Ludwig van Beethoven contacted the famous theorist in 1794, since his previous teacher, Joseph Haydn, had left Vienna and travelled to London. Albrechtsberger was teaching Beethoven for one and a half years in counterpoint, fugue and canon. He became friends with the young composer. As two letters from the years of 1796 and 1797 show, they stayed in contact even after Albrechtsberger had finished teaching Beethoven. (S.B.)