Georges Onslow was a French composer of British descent. He came from a wealthy family and received a good education that included piano lessons with J.B. Cramer. He was an able student but not brilliant. A desire to participate in string quartets led him to study the cello. After a trip to Germany and Austria, Onslow began his career in composition. He was an honorary member of the Philharmonic Society of London and held a chair in the Institut de France. His compositions are generally unremarkable, though competent. One piece, the overture to Le colporteur achieved some success. He was the only French composer to produce a large quantity of chamber music during this period.