Franz Xaver Schnizer (also Schnitzer) was a German composer and organist.
At an early age he became a choirboy at the Benedictine monastery in Ottobeuren. Here he received musical instruction in the field of composition. In addition, he was trained as an organist. After taking his vows and ordination to the priesthood, he became organist at the monastery in 1766. Until his death, he also performed in addition to his spiritual duties, the function of choir director and music instructor. He died in Ottobeuren in 1785.
Schnizer created almost exclusively sacred works. These include masses, a requiem, magnificat, vespers, and singspiels. His compositional work has been preserved only in fragments and is largely forgotten today. Even during his lifetime, his compositions were probably only disseminated regionally. Some of his works are still unpublished.
