Duport, Jean-Pierre

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Duport, Jean-Pierre

Duport, Jean-Pierre, eminent French cellist, brother of Jean-Louis Duport; b. Paris, Nov. 27, 1741; d. Berlin, Dec. 31, 1818. He studied with Berteau. He made his debut at a Concert Spirituel in Paris (1761), where he subsequently gave concerts regularly; was also in the service of the Prince of Conti. In 1773 he settled in Berlin as 1st cellist in the orch. of the Royal Chapel, continuing to play there until 1811; was also director of the court concerts (1787–1806). In addition to his brother, he taught Prince Friedrich Wilhelm II. He composed a number of works for his instrument, including a concerto and many sonatas. Beethoven composed his two cello sonatas, op.5, for Duport; Beethoven played these works with him during his visit to the Berlin court in 1796.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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