Franz Paul Lachner (2 April 1803 – 20 January 1890) was a German composer and conductor, born in Rain am Lech into a musical family. He studied music with Simon Sechter and Maximilian Stadler and began his conducting career at the Theater am Kärntnertor in Vienna. In 1834, he became Kapellmeister at Mannheim and later won a prestigious symphony competition in Vienna in 1835. Lachner was appointed royal Kapellmeister in Munich, where he played a significant role in the city's musical life until 1864.

Lachner was a prolific composer, known for his operas, symphonies, and chamber music. His work was influenced by Beethoven and his friend Franz Schubert. Among his notable compositions are the opera "Catarina Cornaro," his Requiem, and his seventh orchestral suite. Although not widely recognized today, his organ sonatas and chamber music, particularly for wind instruments, continue to receive attention. Lachner also contributed to the German Lied and adapted recitatives for Cherubini's "Médée," which became widely used in performances featuring Maria Callas.