Josef Hrabě
Joseph
Hrabě, Josef (1816-1870). Czech double-bass player, teacher and composer. Member of the orchestra of the Estates Theatre and from 1845 professor of the instrument at the Conservatory. Responsible for important reforms in double-bass technique, such as the abandonment of playing with a gloved left hand. He composed many works and exercises for the instrument, which he helped to establish as a solo instrument in its own right.