Eugene Cruft

Who was Eugene Cruft?

Eugene John Cruft was a British double bass player. He has been called the "leading double-bass player of his generation".

Eugene Cruft was born in London, son of John Cruft, principal viola in the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Eugene Cruft started in the London Symphony Orchestra in 1912, and was principal double-bass player in the BBC Symphony Orchestra 1929-1947, as well as in several other orchestras such as the Royal Opera House and the Bath Festival Orchestra.

Cruft, whose great influence as a teacher of his instrument is pointed out by Grove's music dictionary, taught as professor of double-bass at the Royal College of Music and at the National Youth Orchestra. He also published The Eugene Cruft School of Double-Bass Playing, in the introduction of which he wrote: 'We never hear anyone say "I like music, so I think I'll learn the double-bass" but there is rally no reason why they should not.'

Cruft chaired the company running the Pro Arte Orchestra when it was founded in 1955. He was also responsible for the organization of the orchestras at the coronations of both George VI and Elizabeth II. He was made a MVO and an OBE.