A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Vogt, Gustave
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VOGT, Gustave, French oboe-player, born at Strassburg, March 18, 1781, studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Sallantin, and took the first oboe-prize in 1799. While in Rey's class, he began to play in public, and was appointed oboe-solo at the Opéra Italien in 1801, and co-professor at the Conservatoire in 1802. In 1805 he entered the band of the Imperial Guard, was present at Austerlitz, and during the occupation of Vienna made the acquaintance of Haydn and Beethoven. After the peace of Tilsit he returned to Paris, and never left it again for any distance. After some time at the Théâtre Feydeau, he succeeded his friend and master Sallantin as first oboe at the Opéra (1814), and professor at the Conservatoire, where he taught with marked success from Apr. 1, 1816, to Nov. 1, 1853. His fame spread, and in 1825 the Philharmonic Society invited him to London, and he played in their concerts. His tone was thought to be thin, harsh, and forced, but his execution was astonishing,[1] and he was engaged again in 1828. He was an original member of the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, and played there regularly till his resignation in 1844, often producing with success compositions of his own. As first oboe in the Chapelle du Roi from 1815 to 1830 he received the Legion of Honour in 1829. He formed many talented pupils, including Brod,[2] Vinit, Verroust, Barré, Lavigne, Delabarre, Cras, Colin, Berthélemy, and Bruyant, some of whom still speak of him with respect and gratitude. He lived to be 98, and died in Paris May 30, 1879. Vogt left a considerable number of pieces for the oboe. His best works are his concertos, solos (written for the examinations at the Conservatoires), 'Mélodie Anglaise' ('Home, sweet home'), and his duet for two oboes, all with orchestra. The library of the Conservatoire has the MS. of his 'Method for the Oboe,' and the Museum contains his oboe, cor anglais, and baryton.
[ G. C. ]