Tolbecque, Jean Baptiste Joseph

1797-1869

Born at Hanzinne; became famous as a conductor and composer of dance-music, conducting at Court balls during the reign of Louis Philippe and leading at the Tivoli and other public gardens then at the height of fashion. He studied violin at the Paris Conservatory under Rodolphe Kreutzer and composed under Reicha, and entered the orchestra of the Italian Opera in 1820. He composed Charles V. at Dugueschin with Gilbert and Guiraud, and the three-act ballet, Vert-Vert, with Deldevez, beside a number of excellent galops, quadrilles, and valses. Until the coming of Musard he was the favorite conductor of dance-music. He was a member of the Society of Conservatory Concerts from its establishment in 1859.