Jean-Pierre Rampal
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Jean-Pierre Rampal (January 7, 1922 – May 20, 2000) was a French flutist, seen by many as the greatest of the 20th century.
Born in Marseille, France, Rampal was the first to introduce the flute onto the international concert circuit and the first in modern times to attract international attention and large audiences comparable to those of virtuoso pianists and string players. During his career, he performed with many of the world's most famous orchestras and chamber ensembles. As a chamber musician he collaborated with Isaac Stern and Mstislav Rostropovich and composers such as Francis Poulenc wrote especially for him.
He is also notable for having unearthed, arranged, and performed many forgotten works of the Baroque era. He also collaborated with pianist Claude Bolling on several recordings, including Bolling's popular Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio.
During his lifetime, he had many honors bestowed upon him, including the Lotos Club Medal of Merit in recognition of his lifetime achievements, the Leonie Sonning Prize, the Prix du Président de la République and the Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros for his entire (lengthy) discography. He was made a Commander of the French Légion d'Honneur, Commandeur des Arts des Lettres and Commandeur de l'Ordre National du Mérite.
Each year, the Jean-Pierre Rampal Flute Competition is held as part of the Concours internationaux de la Ville de Paris, for flutists of all nationalities born after November 8, 1971.
In 1989, Rampal published his autobiography Music, My Love (published by Random House).
He is buried in the Cimetière du Montparnasse, Paris.
A discography of his L.P. recordings may be seen here: http://www.elenayarritu.com/rampallp.htmlfr:Jean-Pierre Rampal