Schiltz

Jean-Baptiste Schiltz (1807-1868), was a prolific composer, arranger, and author. When he first entered the Parisian musical scene he focused on writing pedagogical texts for a variety of instruments. His method books include popular instruments (cornet, trombone) but seem to be focused more on teaching the instruments of the typical band of the garde nationale such as tenor and bass ophecleide, valve trombone (in G), three-valve contraltino and sopranino, clairon and cavalry trumpet, natural horn, and of course, the serpent. 

 Schiltz’s first known professional musical position was as chef de musique of the 10e legion des dragons, a cavalry regiment stationed in Tours, where he served before transferring to the 3e legion de la Garde Nationale in Paris in 1837.  Performing as the 4th trumpet and cornet specialist in the Paris Opéra orchestra, Schiltz would have played for the premieres of several important operatic works, including those of Berlioz, Auber, Donizetti’s and Halévy.

 Schiltz was an important and controversial figure in nineteenth century France. His compositions were crucial to development of the cornet as an instrument and are some of the earliest compositions known for that instrument. 

 Opinionated and outspoken, Shiltz was a musician who in the span of a few short years went from the top of the Parisian music scene to quite near the bottom. During his career he codified instruction on a variety of instruments, and left behind a substantial repertoire for cornet and other brass instruments.

 (adapted from the research and biography of Schiltz by Dr. Kenneth Jimenez)