The modern transverse flute, more in tune and virtuosic than older flutes, spread in France around 1830-1840 after the German maker Boehm perfected his chromatic scale-based mechanism.
Performer Biography
Frédéric Chatoux is the Principal Solo Flute of the Paris Opera Orchestra, succeeding Jean Pierre Rampal and Maxence Larrieu, and also performs as a soloist and chamber musician internationally.
Composition History
Gabriel Fauré approved of the harp accompaniment for some of his melodies, and even made instrumental alterations to his 'Les Berceaux' when harpist Micheline Kahn performed it for him.
Instruments
In 1801, Erard manufactured the first double-action harps, which allowed strings to be shortened twice by a semitone, enhancing virtuosity and enabling play in every key.
Composition History
Jean Cras, a naval officer, composed his Suite en Duo on board the battleship Provence after a cruise to western Africa, inspired by three balafons he brought back from Guinea.
Instruments
The French piano and harp maker Erard developed a new system for the harp in 1786, allowing strings to be shortened by pedals to cover all keys.
Composer Biography
Jean Cras, a disciple of Duparc who called him 'the son of my soul,' pursued music as an inner necessity rather than a livelihood, and only occasionally promoted his works.
