The flautist in the painting is the composer Michel de la Barre (c1675-1745). As I was walking down the road just now, I started coming over all eighteenth-century-fied. I love French music of the period, with its formality, harmony, performance practice and elegant nuance. Rameau was a marvellous orchestrator and used the flute very prominently in some of his operas. As I walked down the road thinking of music, I found myself starting to enjoy the walk. I realised again that this is the most beautiful town I have ever lived in, and thought of all those who are closest to me.
Have a listen to a beautiful flute sonata by Michel Blavet, called 'La Vibray'
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