Jean-Pierre Rampal

Flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal was a musical giant, doing much to popularize the flute and to broaden the acceptance of Baroque music; he was the first player to establish the flute as a presence in the international concert world. His recording career extended from the era of 78 rpm recording to that of compact discs, and he was among the most frequently recorded artists of all time. Rampal founded the French Wind Quintet in 1945 and the Ensemble Baroque de Paris in 1953. In 1950, Rampal launched an international touring career, and its dimensions grew steadily. He appeared with almost all of the world's major orchestras, and his chamber music collaborators were players at a similar level. He also wrote an autobiography, Music, My Love. Rampal's recording catalog was vast, with reissues continuing to appear voluminously after his death.