Jules Delsart

Jules Delsart was a French cellist born in Valenciennes. He graduated from the Paris Conservatory, where he studied under Auguste Franchomme. Following Franchomme's death in 1884, Delsart succeeded him as the head of the conservatory's cello class. Among his notable students were Paul Bazelaire and Louis Feuillard.

He was renowned as a chamber musician, frequently performing in a trio with André Messager and Guillaume Rémy; this group premiered Ernest Chausson's Trio in G minor on April 8, 1882. In 1887, Delsart performed the premiere of Gabriel Fauré's Piano Quartet No. 2 alongside the composer, Rémy, and violist Louis van Waefelghem. He also played in quartets led by Pablo Sarasate and Willem ten Have.

As a performer on the viola da gamba and a proponent of early music, Delsart was one of the founders of the Société des Instruments Anciens (Society of Ancient Instruments) in 1895. The ensemble disbanded upon his death but was re-established a year later by Henri Casadesus. Additionally, Delsart participated in the premiere of David Popper's Requiem for three cellos and orchestra in 1891.

Delsart is also known for a number of arrangements, including a transcription for cello and piano of César Franck's Violin Sonata and the famous "Méditation" from Jules Massenet's opera Thaïs. Several works were dedicated to him, including a cello concerto by Marie Jaëll, a Nocturne by David Popper, and the Cello Sonata by Léon Boëllmann. A street in his native Valenciennes is named after him, and he is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

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