Auguste Kreutzer

Auguste (Jean Nicolas Auguste) Kreutzer was a French violinist, composer and pedagogue, younger brother of Rodolphe Kreutzer. Born on 3 September 1778 in Versailles and trained by his brother, he inherited the characteristic style of the Kreutzer family, distinct from the playing manners of Baillot and Rode. After studying at the newly founded Paris Conservatory in 1795, he quickly distinguished himself, winning second prize in 1800 and first prize in 1801.

In 1798 he joined the orchestra of the Opéra-Comique, and in 1802 moved to the orchestra of the Paris Opera, where he played until his retirement in 1823. He also performed in the court orchestras of Napoleon, Louis XVIII and Charles X. In 1826 he succeeded his brother as professor of violin at the Paris Conservatory. His works include violin concertos, duets, sonatas and various pieces for his instrument.

He remained active in the imperial and later royal chapel orchestras until 1830 and died in Paris on 31 August 1832. He was buried in the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, where his tomb, which also held the remains of his wife Marie Péan, was later reclaimed and destroyed in 2004.

His son Charles-Léon-François (Léon) Kreutzer became a composer and music critic. Among Auguste Kreutzer’s compositions are two violin concertos, three sonatas for violin and bass, two sets of duos concertants for two violins, several sets of variations and solos, and a concertino that was reissued in the twentieth century.

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