German composer and conductor known as a pioneer in the development of the ballad.

Zumsteeg was admitted to the Karlsschule, near Stuttgart, where he formed a close friendship with his fellow student Friedrich Schiller (Schiller, Friedrich von). He studied cello and theory with the local chapelmaster, whom he succeeded as director of the Stuttgart Opera in 1792. Although he composed eight operas, 21 church cantatas, choruses to Schiller's play Die Räuber, and instrumental music, he is remembered chiefly for his 20 ballads for solo voice and piano. He exerted a strong influence on the youthful Schubert (Schubert, Franz), whose early long narrative songs are clearly modelled on Zumsteeg's ballads.