You May Also Like
Sponsored
Sold by Mighty Ape
The French flute player and conductor Paul Taffanel (1844-1908) was an extraordinary virtuoso and a major figure in fin de siécle Parisian musical life. Based on a treasure trove of private documents of Taffanel’s previously unpublished letters and papers, Taffanel: Genius of the Flute recounts the rich story of his multi-faceted career as a player, conductor, composer, teacher, and leader of musical organizations. As
a player, Taffanel had a rare vision of the flute as a serious, expressive instrument and is credited with re-establishing it in the mainstream of music. He was also an inspiring teacher at the Paris Conservatoire, to whom
many modern flutists can trace their roots. In 1879, Taffanel founded the Société de musique de chambre pour instruments à vent (Society of Chamber Music for Wind Instruments), reviving the wind ensemble music of Mozart and Beethoven, and breaking the dominance of piano and strings in recital and chamber music. From 1890, he served as chief conductor at the Paris Opera and the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire (Paris Conservatory Orchestra)—the first time
a flutist, rather than a string player, had been appointed to such key positions. Edward Blakeman expertly places these and many other elements of Taffanel’s story in the rich political and cultural backdrop of
the time, evoking Conservatoire intrigues, the Société des concerts, and Taffanel’s relationships with various musicians and major composers. Blakeman details the circumstances surrounding landmark commissions, performances, and repertoire, and weaves the details from Taffanel’s correspondence with first-person interviews and flute lore. What emerges is a portrait of an all-around musician who was also a modest and genial man.
Author Biography
Edward Blakeman is Editor of Live Music at BBC Radio 3 in London, in charge of broadcasting opera, orchestral concerts, and the annual summer season of the BBC Proms. As a flute player and writer on music, he has long been fascinated by all things French, and this book is the result of many happy times of work and play in Paris.
We are committed to protecting your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and working with our suppliers to assist with warranty claims. Products sold by Mighty Ape will be covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty for at least a one-year period from the date of purchase.
Your warranty will cover any manufacturing defects which, if existing, will present themselves within this warranty period.
Your warranty will not cover normal wear and tear, faults caused by misuse, and accidents which cause damage or theft caused after delivery. Using the product in a way it is not designed for will void your warranty.
Please refer to our Help Centre for more information.
