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 was born in Marseille on January 7, 1922. His father, Joseph Rampal, was a flute teacher and the first flutist of the Marseille Symphony Orchestra, and he gave Jean-Pierre his first lessons b...