Labarre, Theodore

1805-1870

Parisian harpist; studied privately under Cousinean, Bochsa and Nadermann and in the Conservatory under Dourlen, Eler, Fetis and Boieldieu. In 1824 he visited England and thereafter he lived alternately in London and Paris. From 1847 to 1849 was director of the Opera Comique orchestra, and, after having been in England again, returned to conduct Louis Napoleon's private orchestra. Succeeded Prumier as professor of the harp at the conservatory in 1867. Among his compositions are a number of operas, Les deux families, S'aspirant de marine, Le menetrier, and Pantagruel; ballets, duos and trios for harp and other instruments. He wrote a complete method for the harp.