Flute Almanac

Louis Moyse died in 2007
2025-07-30 | July 30, 2007, Montpelier, VT, United States
Premiere of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio is a landmark composition that merges the worlds of classical music and jazz, creating a unique crossover genre that has captivated listeners since its release. Composed in 1973 and gaining widespread attention in 1975, the suite was written for the legendary flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. It stands as a significant example of how two seemingly distinct musical traditions can be harmoniously blended. Premiere Date and PerformersThe Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio was first recorded and released on July 16, 1975. The recording featured: Jean-Pierre Rampal on flute, whose classical expertise and emotive playing brought the suite to life. Claude Bolling on piano, the composer of the work, who infused it with jazz rhythms and improvisational flair. Guy Pedersen on double bass, adding depth and rhythmic support. Marcel Sabiani on drums, contributing dynamic energy and drive to the piece. Structure and Musical ContentThe suite is structured into seven movements, each blending classical forms with jazz idioms: 1. Baroque and Blue: This opening movement sets the tone for the suite, combining the elegance of Baroque music with the bluesy, laid-back feel of jazz. The movement features a graceful flute melody that intertwines with jazz piano riffs, creating a seamless fusion of the two styles. 2. Sentimentale: A slower, more lyrical movement that allows the flute to explore its expressive range. The mood is introspective and emotional, with the piano providing a gentle, harmonic backdrop. 3. Javanaise: This movement introduces a lively, dance-like rhythm, inspired by the Javanese gamelan music, but filtered through a jazz lens. The flute plays playful, rhythmic figures, while the piano and rhythm section keep the groove moving. 4. Fugace: A brief and energetic movement, this piece features intricate interplay between the flute and piano, reminiscent of a fugue but with the spontaneous twists of jazz improvisation. 5. Irlandaise: Drawing on Irish folk music, this movement has a lilting, pastoral feel. The flute’s melody is bright and carefree, while the piano and rhythm section provide a supportive and rhythmic undercurrent. 6. Versatile: This movement is dynamic and lively, with rapid exchanges between the flute and the piano. The music shifts through various moods and styles, showcasing the versatility of both the performers and the composition itself. 7. Veloce: The suite concludes with a fast-paced and virtuosic movement. The flute and piano engage in a spirited dialogue, with complex rhythms and rapid-fire exchanges, bringing the suite to an exhilarating close. Importance and LegacyThe Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio was an immediate success, staying on the Billboard classical charts for an unprecedented 530 weeks. Its appeal lay in its ability to bridge the gap between classical music lovers and jazz enthusiasts, offering a fresh and innovative listening experience. The collaboration between Bolling and Rampal not only highlighted the technical brilliance of the performers but also set a precedent for future crossover works. The suite remains a beloved piece in the repertoires of both classical and jazz musicians, celebrated for its ability to seamlessly blend two distinct musical traditions. Its premiere and subsequent recordings have left a lasting impact on the music world, inspiring countless musicians to explore the possibilities of genre fusion. Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio continues to be performed and recorded, a testament to its enduring appeal and the groundbreaking vision of its composer and performers.

« All Events

Premiere of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio

July 16

Categories:
Premiere

Tags:

Claude Bolling,

Composer,

Jazz flute,

Jean Pierre Rampal

Website:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Masterworks_Records

LP album by CBS Masterworks Records and Columbia Masterworks

July 16, 1975

France

+ Google Map

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Johann Joachim Quantz died in 1773

Jean-Louis Tulou died in 1865

Adult Learner Series – Session 2: Midsummer Reflections with Lady Jeanne Galway
2025-07-31 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Online (Galway Flute Academy)

Birthday of Jeanne Baxtresser
2025-08-02 | August 2, 1947, Bethlehem, PA, United States

Birthday of Cécile Chaminade
2025-08-08 | August 8, 1857, Paris, France

Birthday of André Jolivet
2025-08-08 | August 8, 1905, Paris, France

Birthday of Ian Anderson
2025-08-10 | August 10, 1947, Dunfermline, Scotland, United Kingdom

First NFA Convention held in 1973
2025-08-10 | August 10, 1973, Anaheim, CA, United States

Birthday of Johann Christoph Denner
2025-08-13 | August 13, 1655, Leipzig, Germany

Birthday of Louis Moyse
2025-08-14 | August 14, 1912, Scheveningen, Netherlands

Birthday of Friedrich Dülon
2025-08-14 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | August 14, 1768, Oranienburg, Germany

Birthday of Jacques Ibert
2025-08-15 | August 15, 1890 – February 5, 1962, Paris, France

Birthday of George Enescu
2025-08-19 | August 19, 1881, Liveni, Romania

Bohuslav Martinů died in 1959
2025-08-28 | August 28, 1959, Liestal, Switzerland

11th Kobe International Flute Competition
2025-08-29 - 2025-09-07 | Kobe Bunka Hall, Medium Hall, 4-2-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Birthday of Leonardo De Lorenzo
2025-08-29 | August 29, 1875, Viggiano, Potenza, Italy

Birthday of Jean-Louis Tulou
2025-09-12 | September 12, 1786, Paris, France

Birthday of Paul Taffanel
2025-09-16 | September 16, 1844, Bordeaux, France

12th International Flute Competition “Severino Gazzelloni” 2025
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-27 | September 22-27, 2025, Sala Scarlatti, Naples, Italy

Birthday of Jacques-Martin Hotteterre
2025-09-29 | September 29, 1673, Paris, France

Masashi Miyazawa founded Miyazawa Flutes
2025-10-01 | October 1, 1969, Tokyo, Japan

Birthday of Lady Jeanne Galway
2025-10-08 | October 8, 1955, Long Island, NY, United States

Premiere of Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto pastoral
2025-10-17 | October 17, 1978, Madrid, Spain

The 21st International Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Competition
2025-10-19 - 2025-10-25 | International Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Competition, Herzogenplatz 2, Uelzen, 29525, Germany

Premiere of Nielsen Flute Concerto
2025-10-21 | October 21, 1926, Paris, France

Birthday of Maxence Larrieu
2025-10-27 | October 27, 1934, Marseille, France

The 7th International Flute Convention by La Traversière – Puteaux, France (2025)
2025-10-29 - 2025-11-02 | Jean-Baptiste Lully Conservatory, 5 Rue Francis de Pressensé, Puteaux, 92800, France

Birthday of Georges Barrère
2025-10-31 | October 31, 1876, Bordeaux, France

Marcel Moyse died in 1984
2025-11-01 | November 1, 1984, Brattleboro, VT, United States

Premiere of Charles Griffes's Poem
2025-11-16 | November 16, 1919, Aeolian Hall, New York City, NY, United States

Theobald Böhm died in 1881
2025-11-25 | November 25, 1881, Munich, Germany
