Belcke, Friedrich August

1795-1874

Famous trombone player and highly esteemed composer of music for that instrument. As a virtuoso, he introduced the trombone into the concert room. He was born at Lucka, Saxony, his father being an able oboe and flute player, from whom he received his early instruction. From the first Belcke's playing on the trombone was remarkable, and eventually his fame spread far and wide. He became a member of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipsic, and from 1816 to 1858 was chamber-musician at Berlin. Belcke made many tours, traveling extensively on the Continent. The Paris Conservatory presented him with a medal of honor. A brother, Christian Gottlieb, 1796-1875, was a celebrated flute-player.