We know that Arban’s first names were Joseph Jean-Baptiste Laurent, that he was an outstanding expert on the cornet à pistons, that he contributed to perfect wind instruments and that he wrote innumerable « Thèmes et Variations ». But that is about all. I thought it a tempting idea to try and find out more about Arban and publish the results of my quest in Brass Bulletin first, for the benefit of its readers. It will no doubt be interesting to learn under what historical, social and cultural circumstances the great virtuoso lived and worked.
I propose to dedicate several articles to the subject. Should one of you know of or possess rare or unpublished documents on the subject, please contact me (address Brass Bulletin). — Thank you!
Jean-Pierre Mathez.