Kraft, Nicolaus

1778-1853

Like his father, Anton was a violoncellist of distinction. He was born at Esterhazy, Hungary, and when very young played with his father in concert tours. He studied first with his father and later was sent by Prince Lobkowitz to Berlin to study with Louis Duport. He was at one time a member of the quartet of Prince Karl Lichnowsky. Later he made concert tours in Leipsic, Dresden, Prague and Vienna, and finally entered the service of the King of Würtemberg at Stuttgart in 1814. This he held until 1834, when he retired on a pension on account of an accident to his hand. His son, Friedrich, with whom he had played in some of his concert tours, also took a position in the chapel at Stuttgart in 1824. His best known works are five cello concertos; six duos and three divertissements for two violoncellos; a cello fantasia with string quartet; and polonaise and bolero for cello with orchestra.