Tilmant, Theophile

1799-1878

Conductor, whose zeal and enthusiasm made him remarkably successful in his profession; was born at Valenciennes. He received his education at the Paris Conservatory, taking first prize for violin-playing in Rodolph Kreutzer's class in 1818. In 1828 the Societe des Concerts was formed, and he was made vice-conductor, and in 1834 he held a similar post in the Italian Theatre, becoming chief conductor in 1838 and retaining this position for eleven years. In 1849 he succeeded Labarre in the conductorship of the Opera Comique, which excellent position he held for almost twenty years, and from 1860 to 1863 he also led the Conservatory concerts. His services were rewarded by the Legion of Honor in 1861. In 1868 he gave up his work at the Opera Comique, retiring to Asnieres, where he died ten years later. In 1838 he founded a quartet society, which was deservedly popular and of which his brother, Alexandre, was the cellist.

Alexandre Tilmant was born at Valenciennes in 1808. He played in the Conservatory concerts, founded under Habeneck in 1828, and was also violoncellist at the Italian Theatre.