French composer Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825-1889) was born in Lyon and is principally remembered as one of the .nest cornet players of all time. His artistry was astonishing and he made acclaimed tours all over Europe; as a conductor, his career included performances at the Paris Opéra. In 1857 he became professor of saxhorn at the École Militaire, and in 1869 he established a cornet class at the Paris Conservatoire. In 1873 he conducted in St. Petersburg for the first time, with such success that he eventually settled there. He did not return to Paris until 1880, when he took up the position of cornet professor, at the same time giving up his career as a touring virtuoso. His cornet and saxhorn tutors remained in use for many years after his death. As a composer Arban might not have scaled the greatest heights, but his works certainly betray his technical skill as a performer.
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