A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Aubert, Jacques

by Paul David

AUBERT, Jacques ('le vieux'), an eminent French violinist and composer, born towards the end of the 17th century. He was violinist in the royal band, the orchestra of the Opera, and the Concerts Spirituels. In 1748 he was nominated leader of the band and director of the Duc de Bourbon's private music. He died at Belleville near Paris in 1753.

The catalogue of his published compositions contains five books of violin sonatas with a bass; twelve suites en trio; two books of concertos for four violins, cello and bass; many airs and minuets for two violins and bass; an opera and a ballet. All these works are of good, correct workmanship, and some movements of the sonatas are certainly not devoid of earnest musical feeling and character.

His son Louis, born in 1720, was also violinist at the Opera and the Concert Spirituel, and published a number of violin compositions and some ballets, which however are very inferior to his father's works. He retired from public activity in 1771.

[ P. D. ]