Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825-1889) Biography

Summary of the texts in Brass Bulletin 9—12:

Jean-Baptiste Arban made a brilliant career as cornet player and conductor (which made him lose his post as a teacher at the Paris Conservatory) but at the age of 55 he decided to dedicate his life and time entirely to teaching and to perfecting the construction of his instrument: the cornet à pistons.

All through his life Arban fought for the benefit of French art: for its progress and its perfection. Nonetheless he was very susceptible to personal acknowledgment and honours; and when he writes a letter asking for a favour, its tone will be exceptionally submissive and yet he always managed to slip in some remark to emphasize his merits. From 1880 on he will fight for the acknowledgment of his new, improved cornet, a battle that will cost him his last strength.