Duport, Jean Pierre

1741-1818

The elder of the brothers Duport, famous as violoncellists, was born at Paris and was considered Berthaut's best pupil. He was first cello of the Court Orchestra at Berlin by invitation of Frederick the Great in 1773, and afterwards from 1787 until 1806 superintendent of the Court concerts. The post was abolished after the battle of Jena, but he lived at Berlin until his death. In 1811, seven years before his death, he was pensioned. His compositions, which were few and unimportant, consisted of three duos for two cellos, and six sonatas for cello and bass.