Rampal, Jean-Pierre

(Louis), celebrated French flutist, conductor, and teacher; b. Marseilles, Jan. 7, 1922. Rampai studied flute as a child with his father, who was first flutist in the Marseilles orchestra and a professor at the Conservatory. He then studied medicine until being drafted for military service by the German occupation authorities in 1943. When he learned that he was to be sent to Germany as a forced laborer, he went AWOL.

Rampal subsequently attended flute classes at the Paris Conservatory, winning the premier prix (first prize) in five months. He played solo flute in the orchestra of the Vichy Opéra from 1946 to 1950, while also beginning to tour, often in duo recitals with the pianist and harpsichordist Robert Veyron-Lacroix. He was solo flutist in the orchestra of the Paris Opéra from 1956 to 1962, and also became a popular artist on the Paris Radio.

Rampal subsequently toured throughout the world with phenomenal success as a virtuoso, appearing as soloist with all the major orchestras and in innumerable recitals. In later years he also appeared as a guest conductor. He taught at the Paris Conservatory and gave master classes worldwide.

Rampal's repertoire is vast, ranging from the BAROQUE masters to JAZZ, from the music of Japan to that of India, from arrangements to specially commissioned works. Of the last, such composers as FRANCIS POULENC and André Jolivet wrote pieces for him. Through his countless concerts and recordings, he did more than any other flutist of his time to bring his instrument into the mainstream of musical life.

Rampal was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in 1966 and an Officier des Arts et Lettres in 1971. With D. Wise, he published Music, My Love: An Autobiography, in 1989.