Cossmann, Bernhard

1822-

A talented composer and violinist. Was born in Dessau, Germany, and studied under Espenhahn, Drechsler, Muller and Kummer in Dresden. He was cellist at the Italian Opera, Paris, and appeared in London in 1841. Returning to Germany, he played in the Gewandhaus at Leipsic, and at other important concerts. From 1866 to 1870 he was professor of the violoncello at the Conservatory at Moscow. Later he embraced the opportunity to study composition under Hauptmann and was first violoncello under Liszt at Weimar in 1850. Cossmann's works include a concertstuck for violoncello, pieces de Salon and fantasias on operatic motives. He was an acknowledged master of his instrument in Germany. In 1878 he  was appointed professor at the Frankfort Conservatory, a position he still held in 1904. Says Grove: "He was a virtuoso of the first rank, and was remarkable alike for science, polished execution and power of singing on the instrument. Furthermore, he was a great soloist and an excellent chamber musician. He brought forward many new concertos as well as some unworthily neglected compositions."