He studied first at Altdorf Seminary. Taught in elementary schools from 1861 to 1863, and later entered the Munich College of Music and remained there from 1863 to 1865, before becoming a pupil there under Joseph Rheinberger, from 1867 to 1869, when it re-opened as the Royal Bavarian Music School, under the overall direction of Hans von Bülow.
As a music theorist he held original opinions on many points. Among his numerous compositions, of which the greater part remain unpublished, are symphonies. Symphonic poems; an opera, Palestrina, which was performed at Ratisbon in 1886.
A ballad, Das Thal des Espingo, for chorus and orchestra.
A paternoster; and one work of gigantic dimensions, entitled, the production of which was intended to fill seven evenings. He also composed many songs and much piano music
