Mathias van den Gheyn, born on April 7, 1721, in Tienen, Flanders, was a distinguished Flemish musician known for his contributions during the Baroque-Classical transition period. He hailed from a renowned family of bell founders, the Vanden Gheyns, who were prominent in the bell founding industry since 1506. Mathias was initially involved in the family business but chose to pursue music, demonstrating exceptional talent from a young age.

Van den Gheyn is celebrated for his virtuosity on the carillon and organ. His most notable compositions include eleven preludes for carillon, which have become a staple in the repertoire of carillonneurs worldwide. His style was influenced by the traditions of George Frideric Handel, and his works for harpsichord and organ were published during his lifetime, along with a treatise on basso continuo.

In 1741, at the age of 20, Mathias succeeded his teacher, Abbé Dieudonné Raick, as the organist at St. Peter's Church in Leuven. He later became the city carillonist of Leuven after winning a public competition in 1745, a position he held until his death on June 22, 1785. His legacy is preserved through his compositions and the recognition of his biographer, Xavier-Victor-Fidèle van Elewyck, who regarded him as the greatest musician of the Southern Netherlands in the 18th century.