Maxence Larrieu, b. October 27, 1934

Maxence Larrieu is a renowned French flutist known for his pivotal role in advancing the French flute school and his extensive international performing and teaching career.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 27, 1934, in Marseille, France, Maxence Larrieu is celebrated as one of the foremost representatives of the French flute school. He was a distinguished pupil of Joseph Rampal at the National Superior Music College of Paris, aligning him with notable contemporaries like Jean-Pierre Rampal and Alain Marion.

Professional Achievements

Larrieu’s early career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the first flute prize under Gaston Crunelle in 1951 and the chamber music first prize in 1953. His talent was further recognized internationally when he won the first prize at the Geneva International Competition and was a laureate at the Munich International Competition in 1956.

Orchestral and Teaching Career

From 1954 to 1966, Larrieu served as the solo flautist for the Comic Opera of Paris, and subsequently for the Paris Opera Orchestra until 1978. His profound influence on flute performance continued as he took on roles as a virtuoso teacher at the National Music College of Geneva and the National Superior Music College of Lyon.

Contributions to Music and Collaborations

Larrieu’s career is noted for his collaborations with prominent composers who wrote works specifically for him:

• Serge Lancen: “Concerto Monologue” for solo flautist (1962)
• Marcel Landowski: Premiered Landowski’s concerto in Bordeaux (1968)
• Jean Rivier: “Voltige” for solo flautist (1970)
• Marc Carles and Lionel Rogg: Composed pieces for solo flautist

Larrieu also had notable performances with major orchestras and musicians, including performing all of Mozart’s concertos with Clara Haskil and the Lamoureux Orchestra under Igor Markevitch in 1960, and participating in significant operatic and ballet productions.

Recordings and Legacy

With over a hundred recordings to his credit, Larrieu’s discography includes collaborations with the Prague, Munich, Cologne, and Monte Carlo orchestras, among others. His extensive work with the Jean-François Paillard Chamber Orchestra alone includes more than five hundred concerts and about thirty recordings.

Educational Impact

Beyond performance, Larrieu has been profoundly dedicated to teaching, offering master classes globally in prestigious institutions like Juilliard and Yale. He has served as a jury member in numerous international competitions and was the president of the Jean-Pierre Rampal competition in 2001.

Current Roles

Today, Maxence Larrieu is the artistic leader of the concert season at the Abbey of San Futtuoso di Camogli in Liguria, Italy, a position he has held since 1993, continuing to influence the flute world both as a performer and educator.

Significance to Flute Music

Maxence Larrieu’s career has been instrumental in shaping modern flute playing techniques and interpretations within the French flute school tradition. His performances and recordings have helped popularize the flute repertoire globally, making significant contributions to its development and appreciation. His legacy in flute music is characterized by his technical mastery, expressive playing, and innovative interpretations of both classical and contemporary works.