François Devienne

Classical French Composer and Flautist

François Devienne (1759–1803) was a French composer and virtuoso flutist and bassoonist of the Classical era. He is often referred to as the "French Mozart." Devienne's career was multifaceted; he was a founding professor at the Paris Conservatory and a member of several orchestras, including that of the Paris Opéra. His compositional output was prolific, with his works including a wide range of chamber music, concertos, symphonies, and operas. Devienne's flute and bassoon concertos are particularly well-regarded and demonstrate his deep understanding of wind instruments, showcasing their capabilities both in technical prowess and expressive potential. His music is characterized by its elegance, clarity, and balanced classical form, reflecting the tastes of the period. Although not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, Devienne's contributions to wind music have earned him a lasting place in the repertoire, particularly for flutists and bassoonists.