Theodor Oesten (1813-1870) was a German piano teacher and composer who composed numerous successful songs and melodies.
As a child he learned to play various wind and string instruments from the local town musician. At the age of 19 he went to Berlin and began studying composition with Bohmer, Rungenhagen, Schneider and A. W. Bach. After graduation he worked in the German capital as a sought-after teacher.
In 1843 he composed the rondo "Les Premières Violettes", which, arranged according to the sentimental taste of the times, won him great success. Further pieces followed, whose simple arrangements guaranteed his favour with the public for years to come.
