Jean-Baptiste Bréval (6 November 1753 – 18 March 1823) was a prolific French composer and cellist. His compositions are full of novel structures and approaches, as well as a wide range of possibilities. The bulk of Breval's compositions was instrumental, including symphonic symphonies, violin and cello concertos, trios, duos, airs, and instructional methods. The "Traite de violoncelle," a step-by-step, comprehensive, and progressive instructional manual, was widely regarded as his most significant and influential work.

A collection of six concertante quartets was released by him in 1775. As a member of the "Société Académic des Enfants d'Apollon" in 1776, he was recognized as a scholar. In 1778, he debuted with a performance of one of his sonatas at a Concert Spirituel, and from 1781 to 1791, he performed in their orchestra. From 1791 until 1800, he played in the Théâtre Feydeau's orchestra. Later, he became engaged in the management of the "Concerts de la rue de Cléry" and a member of the orchestra of the Paris Opera. In 1814, he announced his retirement from the orchestra. Though it is stated in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung, the Conservatoire's records do not support this claim. It's safe to say that Bréval's pieces were indeed utilized in the Conservatoire's curriculum. Colligis, Aisne, was the last resting place for Bréval.