Louis Moyse (August 14, 1912 – July 30, 2007)

Louis Moyse is revered in the world of flute music for his profound impact as a performer, educator, and composer.

Early Life and Musical Training

Louis Moyse was a French flute player and composer, renowned for his extensive contributions to flute music. Born in Scheveningen, Netherlands, during one of his father Marcel Moyse’s tours, Louis was immersed in a rich musical environment from an early age. His initial flute instruction came from his father, Marcel Moyse, an influential flutist and co-founder of the Vermont Marlboro Music Festival, and Philippe Gaubert, another prominent figure in the flute world.

Career and Contributions

Louis Moyse was a key member of the acclaimed Moyse Trio, alongside his father Marcel on flute and his former wife, Blanche Honegger Moyse, on violin, with Louis himself playing the piano. The trio achieved significant success, highlighting the family’s musical prowess. Louis Moyse’s career as an educator was equally distinguished; he taught for 27 years at Marlboro College and held professorships at Boston University and the University of Toronto. He was committed to sharing his expertise and continued to provide private lessons in Westport, New York, while also touring internationally with his wife of 33 years, Janet White Moyse.

Later Years and Legacy

In the last nine years of his life, Louis Moyse and his wife Janet relocated to Montpelier, Vermont. He continued to influence the flute community through semiannual master classes and concerts in his hometown of St.-Amour, France, until 2004. Louis Moyse’s dedication to flute music and education extended well into his later years, demonstrating his lifelong passion for the instrument.

Publications and Influence

Louis Moyse is celebrated as one of the most prolific producers of flute music globally. His works have been published by several prestigious publishers, including G. Schirmer, Southern Music, Theodore Presser, McGinnis & Marx, E. Henry David Music Publishers, Leduc (France), and Zen-On (Japan). His compositions and educational materials continue to be a vital part of flute pedagogy and performance repertoire.

Death and Recognition

Louis Moyse passed away from heart failure at the age of 94, leaving behind a rich legacy that has deeply influenced flute music and education worldwide. His contributions as a performer, educator, and composer ensure that his impact on the flute community endures.

Original flute compositions

• Suite for 2 flutes and alto (1957)
• Four dances for flute and viola (1958)
• Wind quintet (1961)
• Marlborian Concerto No 1, for flute,
  English horn, and orchestra (1969)
• First Sonata, for flute and piano (1974)
• Introduction, Theme and Variation, flute and piano (1980)
• Second Sonata, Op. 60, flute and piano (1998)
• Trois Hommages, flute and piano
• Two Miniatures, flute and piano
• Impromptu in B-Flat Major, Op.142, flute and piano
• Suite in a minor, flute and piano

Collections

• Louis Moyse Flute Collection, Schirmer
• 40 Little Pieces for Beginning Flutists
• Flute Music By French Composers, flute and piano
• Album Of Flute Duets
• Twelve Fantasias for Solo Flute
• Solos for the Flute Player, flute and piano
• Album of Sonatinas for Young Flutists, flute and piano
• First Solos for the Flute Player, flute and piano
• Little Pieces for Flute and Guitar, flute and guitar