Kummer, Friedrich August

1797-1879

Violoncellist and composer for that instrument, who was born at Meiningen, but spent most of his life at Dresden, where he was taught to play the violoncello by Dotzauer. From an early age the boy longed for a position in the King's band, and when the place of oboist became vacant he studied that instrument, and very soon became so proficient at it that he was given the desired position in 1814. He kept it only three years, however, at the end of which period he went back to the violoncello, and made such a reputation for himself that he soon became a member of the Dresden Orchestra and remained with it for fifty years. During this time he taught in the Dresden Conservatory, and aside from professional tours in Italy and Germany, was seldom away from that city. Cossmann, Hausmann and Gottermann are among his distinguished pupils. He did a great deal of composing for his instrument and published one hundred and sixty-three works including concertos; fantasias; and a method for the violoncello. He also wrote two hundred entr' actes for the Royal Theatre. His playing was marked by great calmness and command of the instrument, and is said to have had at once much power and melody.