Johann Mattihas Sperger was one of the greatest bass virtuosos of all times, and one of the most prolific composers for the bass instrument ever. His legacy includes 18 double bass concerti, 3 solo pieces with orchestra, one concertante symphonie, 3 concert arias using double bass, and an exceptional number of other chamber pieces. Considering that all of its bass writing (in any form and for any ensemble) was intended for the Viennese tuned bass, his influence on the development of Viennese technique is inestimable. Due to the high level of his bass technique only a small fraction of this repertoire is available today, because of the difficulty in transferring the original high register and figuration to the modern instrument.

At his time he was also esteemed as a very fine composer of other music, as he composed standard orchestral and vocal works too. His total output includes 43 symphonies, 27 concertos (18 of which are for solo bass), masses and other sacred works, and over hundred chamber pieces of all known classical types. He was able to procure concerts and audiences with the highest nobles of his time, including the German emperor himself.