As a composer Kucken wrote two operas, choral works, piano pieces, instrumental works and songs. His reputation rested upon the acclaim of his songs such as "Das Madchen von Juda." The appeal of his songs was found in qualities such as simple melodies, folk settings, and occasional subtle harmonies. As a student, Kucken continually applied himself beginning with chamber music at home, thoroughbass with Luhrss, piano, violin and flute with Aron and Rettberg, orchestration with Halevy, counterpoint with Birnbach (1832) and Sechter (1841-43), and vocal writing with Bordogni (post 1843). His two operas were "Die Flucht nach der Schweiz," and "Der Pratendent." Kucken maintained a number of conducting positions in Stuttgart between 1851 and his reirement in 1861. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide