Gansbacher, Johann Baptist

Gansbacher, Johann Baptist a German composer of church music, was born at Sterzing, in Tyrol, in 1778. He was educated under various masters until 1802, when he became the pupil of the celebrated Abbate Vogler. Through this connection he became acquainted with Weber and Meyerbeer, and a friendship sprung up among the three young musicians which was dissolved only by death. Gatnsbacher was director of the music of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna, from 1823 until his death, July 13, 1844. His compositions consist chiefly of church music, including not less than seventeen masses, besides litanies, motets, offertories, etc. He also wrote several sonatas, a symphony, and one or two minor dramatic compositions. See Encyclop. Brit. 9th ed. s.v.