Celebrity Deathwatch: Jean-Pierre Rampal, French Flutist, 78

["Deathwatch Central" <cdw@slick.org>]

http://www.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/20/obit.rampal.02.ap/index.html

Flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal dies in Paris at 78

May 20, 2000
Web posted at: 9:52 AM EDT (1352 GMT)


PARIS (AP) -- Jean-Pierre Rampal, who popularized the flute as a solo
instrument and became one of classical music's brightest stars, died of
heart failure Saturday in Paris. He was 78.

Rampal, one of the most recorded classical musicians in history, was
best-known for his love of Baroque music, though he played everything from
jazz to Indian music to English folk songs, said Sony Classical, his record
label. Rampal's trademark was his gold flute, with which he never parted.

"His flute ... spoke to the heart," French President Jacques Chirac said in
a statement. "A light in the musical world has just flickered out."

Rampal was born on Jan. 7, 1922, in the southern port city of Marseille, the
son of a flute teacher who did not encourage his son to become a
professional musician. Rampal's early interest was medicine.

He became serious about music during World War II, after Nazi occupying
forces in France drafted him for labor in Germany. He left medical school
and went underground in Paris, where he studied at the National Conservatory
and attracted the Paris musical community's attention.

After the war ended, he became principal flutist in the Paris Opera's
orchestra.

When Rampal began his career, the flute was often overlooked as a solo
instrument, with audiences preferring more traditional solo works for piano
and violin. During his decades-long career, Rampal helped propel the flute
back into the spotlight.

He was much-loved in North America, where he performed recital tours
annually and topped Billboard charts.

Rampal also gained recognition as a conductor.

Rampal is survived by his wife, Francoise; two children, Isabelle and
Jean-Jacques; and five grandchildren.

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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