Sound of a 1869 Louis Lot Gold Flute

Louis Lot No 1375 18K gold flute made in 1869 played by Rampal in Paris, France, March 17, 1958.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Louis
• Lot
• gold
• flute
• Rampal
• Paris
• France
• 1958

[tucsss]

Please, could somebody inform us about the piece? Is Rampal interpretating someone, or it's just a improv?

[flutist001]

@tucsss: This piece is Incanation C from Cinq Incantations pour flute seule by Andre Jolivet (1904-1975). Jolivet used the musical composition to affect the psyche and the physiology of the listener. His compositions emphasized the spiritual power of music then followed with sound. He wrote these pieces just months after the death of his mother. Rampal said "If you play the score the way it is written, you cannot miss the intent of the work." Not improvised, he interpreted the piece.

[sudler2008]

The flute metal and make does matter. Rampal spent years searching for the right flute. Naturally, a good flutist can bring out the best from a low quality flute, but the model will ultimately determine tone quality, brightness, warmth and number harmonics.

[wovengold]

Simply gorgeous. I'm so glad these Rampal performances have been made available. I was lucky enough to have had a master class with him when I was a teenager at a summer music camp in the 70s, and I'll never forget his warmth and generosity. As for the flute itself, while I do agree that the craftsmanship (and of course the talent of the flautist) greatly affect the sound quality, I also think the metal makes a difference. I think the gold is much, much warmer, while silver is bright.

[flutist826]

@mialle I don't know if anyone else has responded, but as far as I know Louis Lot made one -- and Rampal came across it by luck. But don't quote me that's my impression -- my memories about this are a trifle hazy. It is notable that he then played on a gold Haynes, which are remarkably similar in design and response to Louis Lot's flutes. Not a surprise, since I believe that William S. Haynes actually used a Louis Lot flute as his model...

[dasteufelhund]

@jazzflutist That is Gary Shocker playing, a clip I came across some time yesterday afternoon. He's on a David Wililams flute.

[jazzflutist]

@dasteufelhund : Is that you playing on your main page channel? Very nice. ♥

[jazzflutist]

@dasteufelhund : You're probably right. I was thinking of, say, the child of a rich millionaire when faced with a choice, better to buy the expensive model. I played on a student Yamaha for many years and the characterless sound drove me nuts. I think it does make sense to really buy the best model you can afford.

[dasteufelhund]

@jazzflutist the inconsistent attitude and progress in beginners do not justify buying a handmade instrument, when they can't even master the improved production line instruments. With that said, you can buy handmade as a beginner all you want, but it is not going to make you sound better.

[dasteufelhund]

There are some strange, if not ridiculous comments here...

[JaneRutterFan]

This is such beautiful & communicative playing.I love it. I keep coming back to comment! I had a lesson with Jean-Pierre on this beautiful piece. He made every piece have a personality of its own. Listening to him play was like hearing someone tell you a story. There is such truth in his musical comprehension I believe there was only ever one gold Louis Lot flute made.I have a silver one (1878) which has an alternative embony head.