Gebauer, Michel Joseph

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Gebauer, Michel Joseph

Gebauer, Michel Joseph, French oboist, band-master, and composer, brother of François René Gebauer; b. La Fere, Aisne, 1763; d. during Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow, Dec. 1812. He became an oboist in the royal wind ensemble of the Swiss Guard in Versailles in 1777. In 1783 he joined the royal chapel there as a violist. In 1791 he went to Paris as a musician in the National Guard. He also was active as a theater musician and served as prof. of oboe at the Cons. (1795–1800). He then was director of music of the Consular (later Imperial) Guard, and also served as oboist in Napoleon’s private chamber ensemble. Among his works were band pieces and chamber music.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire