François Devienne, a prominent composer of wind music, was a bassoonist in the orchestra of the Opéra in Paris and studied flute with the orchestra's principal flautist, Félix Rault.
Composer Biography
Devienne was an administrator and Professor of Flute at the Paris Conservatoire, which evolved from the Free School of Music of the National Guard where he taught.
Performer Biography
Patrick Gallois, the flutist on this album, studied with Jean-Pierre Rampal at the Paris Conservatoire and became principal flute in the Orchestre National de France at age 21.
Composer Biography
Devienne died at age 43 in a Parisian home for the mentally ill, with his obituary attributing his 'mental derangement' to sorrows experienced during the Revolution.
Composer Biography
Like many 18th-century musicians, Devienne joined the Freemasons and likely worked with Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, leader of the Loge Olympique orchestra.
Compositional Technique
Devienne's flute concertos are characterized by melodic elegance and graceful virtuosity, making them among the most attractive of their time.
Composition History
Devienne's opera Les visitandines (1792) was one of the most successful operas of the Revolutionary period, with over 200 performances in Paris between 1792 and 1797.
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Devienne: Flute Concertos, Vol. 1
Mercadante: Flute Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4
Devienne: Flute Concertos, Vol. 2
Mozart & Flute in Paris - Fauré: Fantaisie, Op. 79 (Arr. Aubert)
