Franz Anton Hoffmeister was a German composer and music publisher of the 18^th century, born in 1754 and died in 1812. He was a renowned publisher, having founded two houses and published the works of great composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, who both considered him a close friend. He was among the first music publisher in the flourishing town of Vienna. In addition to his business endeavors, he composed, and left behind a vast collection of works for flute, viola and other string instruments, piano, and even a collection of songs. He also wrote several operas and symphonies, and was a well-respected composer at the time.