Bernhard Cossmann

Who was Bernhard Cossmann?

Bernhard Cossmann was a German cellist. Born in Dessau, he first studied under Theodore Muller. During his life, he worked for the Grand Opera in Paris and became acquainted with Franz Liszt, with whom he went to Weimar. In 1866, Cossmann was appointed professor of cello studies at the Moscow Conservatory. However, in 1878, Cossmann helped found the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he occupied the post of teacher of cello.

Cossmann was not only a frequent soloist and quartet member, but was also a composer. His works include three fantasias, Tell, Euryanthe, and multiple solo works for various instruments. In addition, he composed many etudes and studies for the cello, many of which are still used today.

In 1890 Cossmann adapted the Erlkönig from Franz Schubert for solo cello for the exclusive use of his student Heinrich Kiefer. He wrote this in his score on Frankfurt 28. Nov. 1890 by B. Cossmann.

Bernhard Cossmann, author of many original works and of diverse “Phantasien” on motifs from operas as well as on well-known pieces, had formerly dedicated his Fünf Neue Concert Etuden to Heinrich Kiefer.