Jean-Baptiste Arban
Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825–1889) was a French cornetist, conductor, composer and pedagogue who proved the valved cornet could stand as a true solo instrument. He is remembered for his lasting conservatory method and brilliant showpiece variations.
Born in Lyon, he studied at the Paris Conservatoire and later taught cornet there. His Grande méthode complète pour cornet à pistons et de saxhorn (1864), still widely known as Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method, remains a foundation text for brass players.
Among the concert works that still circulate, Fantaisie brillante is heard on Cornet Caprice (MCD 060), and his variations on Casta Diva appear on Music for Trumpet and the King of Instruments (MD 3379).
Compositions by Jean-Baptiste Arban appear on
Music for Trumpet and the King of Instruments
In the world of classical music, one of the most special and enduring combinations of instruments is that of the trumpet and the pipe organ. Dating back over a millennium, the pairing has produced a tradition of heroic and majestic music-making.
Cornet Caprice
Tom Paulin and pianist Len Vorster explore the cornet’s brilliance in a recital of virtuoso showpieces and contemporary writing by Bozza, Arban, McCabe, Dreyfus and others.