A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Fürstenau
FÜRSTENAU, a family of distinguished flutists and good musicians.
1. Caspar, born Feb. 26, 1772, at Münster, where his father was in the Bishop's band; was early left an orphan under the care of A. Romberg, who tried to force him to learn the bassoon, as well as the oboe, which he had been already taught; but his preference for the flute asserted itself, and he shortly became so proficient, as to support his family by playing in a military band, and in that of the Bishop. In 1793–4 he made a professional tour through Germany, and settled at Oldenburg, where he entered the Court band, and gave lessons to the Duke. In 1811 the band was dispersed, and Caspar again travelled with his son. He died at Oldenburg May 11, 1819.
2. Anton Bernhard, a finer flutist than his brother [App. p.643 "father"], born Oct. 20, 1792, at Münster; first appeared at a Court concert in Oldenburg when only 7. He remained with his father, the two taking long journeys together. In 1817 he was engaged for the municipal orchestra of Frankfort, from whence he removed in 1820 to Dresden, where he remained in the service of the King of Saxony till his death, Nov. 18, 1852. In 1826 he accompanied Weber on his last sad journey to London, tended him with anxious care, and assisted him to undress the night before his death. (See Max Maria von Weber's Life of his father, ii. 703.) He composed several pieces and two Methods for the flute.
3. His son Moritz, born in Dresden, July 26, 1824, also a flutist, at 17 entered the royal band, in which he has remained ever since. He has made some valuable contributions to the history of music, such as 'Beiträge zur Geschichte der königlichen sächsischen musikalischen Capelle' (1849); 'Zur Geschichte des Theaters und der Musik in Dresden,' 2 vols. (1861); and 'Die Fabrication musikalischer Instrumente im Voigtlande' (1876). In 1852 he was appointed Gustos of the royal collections of music, and received the order of Albert of Saxony.[ F. G. ]