Servais A.F. (1807 - 1866), composer, cellist

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SERVAIS Adrian Francois (1807-1866), Belgian virtuoso cellist, composer, teacher. Toured the capitals of Europe after graduating from the Conservatory of Brussels in 1834; from 1839 on he repeatedly visited St. Petersburg, sometimes staying for long periods. In 1842 he moved here for several years, performing at public concerts, the Vielgorskys' Salon (now at 4 Iskusstv Square), Odoevsky's salon (36 Liteiny Avenue), and at the court. In St. Petersburg he was commonly known as "the Paganini of the cello," and with his artistic temperament and striking performance technique, he produced a great impression on such captious critics as V.F. Odoevsky and A.N. Serov. His numerous concerto compositions include fantasias and variations on Russian themes.

References: Раабен Л. Н. Жизнь замечательных скрипачей и виолончелистов: Биогр. очерки. Л., 1969. С. 108-115.

A. L. Porfiryeva. Odoevsky Vladimir Fedorovich
Serov Alexander Nikolaevich
Servais Adrian Francois
the Vielgorskys, Counts
Iskusstv Square/Saint Petersburg, city, house 4
Liteiny Ave/Saint Petersburg, city, house 36
Раабен Л. Н. Жизнь замечательных скрипачей и виолончелистов: Биогр. очерки. Л., 1969