Jean-Pierre Rampal

Certainly one of the most well known and influential flautists of this century, Rampal single-handedly restored his instrument to the place of honor it occupied during the seventeenth century. He has released countless recordings, several of them award-winning and all of them best sellers, showcasing his phenomenal technique and gentle tone. Perhaps even more important than his playing is the enormous impact he has had on the instrument's repertoire. He is responsible for bringing forgotten chamber music by Vivaldi, Leclair and Hayden to an international, mainstream audience, and has received dedications by modern composers including Poulenc, Jolivet and Boulez, among others. If this were not enough to secure him a place in Classical music's hall of fame, he has also gained recognition for his work as a conductor.