Bernhard Cossmann
Germany- Early Life and Education
- Career in Paris and Leipzig
- Tours and Weimar Court
- Moscow and Baden-Baden
- Frankfurt Conservatory
- Compositions and Collaborations
Early Life and Education
Bernhard Cossmann, a German cellist, composer, and music educator, was born in Dessau. He received musical training under Karl Drechsler, August Theodor Müller, and Friedrich August Kummer in various cities across Germany.
Career in Paris and Leipzig
In 1840, Cossmann joined the orchestra of the Paris Opera, befriending Franz Liszt and Hector Berlioz. He later became a cellist with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and a professor at the Leipzig Conservatory in 1847-1848.
Tours and Weimar Court
Cossmann embarked on tours of France and England in 1849-1850, performing alongside renowned violinist Josef Joachim. In 1850, he became court cellist in Weimar.
Moscow and Baden-Baden
From 1866-1870, Cossmann held a professorship at the Moscow Conservatory. Following his time in Moscow, he resided in Baden-Baden until 1878.
Frankfurt Conservatory
In 1878, Cossmann was appointed professor of cello at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he remained until his death.
Compositions and Collaborations
Cossmann composed numerous works, particularly fantasies based on popular operas and folk songs. He dedicated several pieces to his esteemed pupil Heinrich Kiefer. He also enjoyed a close friendship with Alfredo Piatti, who dedicated "Twelve Caprices" to him while Cossmann dedicated "Concert Studies Op. 10" to Piatti.
