Austrian composer and organist. From humble beginnings as a village schoolmaster's son he grew to become a colossus in the world of symphonic music. His nine symphonies are immense in scope (and length). He much admired, and was influenced by, Wagner but the greatest influence of his work as an organist (he was an exceptional improviser) and as symphonist was his simple Catholic faith and belief in God. On most of his manuscripts he wrote 'To the greater glory of God'.
