Charles Hommann (1802-1866) was a native of Philadelphia. He was born into a musical family and by the age of 16 had secured his first professional job—as an organist in his home town; he also performed on and taught both violin and piano. Hommann spent most of his career in Philadelphia but moved to New York in 1855 and remained there for the rest of his life. He was quite active as a composer, producing several works for orchestra (a symphony and two overtures), three string quartets, a string quintet, sacred choral compositions, and works for organ and piano.  He was one of the earliest American composers trained entirely in the United States.  His orchestral and chamber compositions are available in modern editions.