Jacques-Martin Hotteterre
An 18th-century flautist and composer who wrote the rulebook for the Baroque flute and shaped the very sound of French court music.
1673–1763 (age 90)·French composer and flautist·Birthday: September 29
Biography
Jacques-Martin Hotteterre was born into a dynasty of wind instrument makers and musicians, a lineage he would not only continue but transcend. Known as 'le Romain' for his early studies in Italy, he returned to France to become a fixture in the royal musical establishment, playing for the chambers of Louis XIV and Louis XV. His impact, however, was most profoundly felt off the stage. In 1707, he published the first comprehensive tutor for the transverse flute, recorder, and oboe, a manual that standardized technique and ornamentation for a generation. As a composer, his suites and sonatas for flute exemplified the elegant, refined style of the French court, full of graceful melodies and intricate decoration. More than just a performer, he was a pedagogue and innovator who helped define the sound and practice of early 18th-century music.
#1 When Jacques-Martin Was Born
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Jacques-Martin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1673Born
1678Started school
1686Became a teenager
1689Could drive
1691Could vote
1694Turned 21
1703Turned 30
1713Turned 40
1723Turned 50
1733Turned 60
1743Turned 70
1753Turned 80
1763Died at 90
Key Achievements
- Wrote 'Principles of the Flute, Recorder and Oboe' (1707), the first major method book for these instruments.
- Was a member of the 'Grands Hautbois,' the prestigious wind band of the French royal court.
- Published influential collections of suites and sonatas for flute and continuo that codified the French Baroque style.
- Belonged to the famous Hotteterre family, key developers of the Baroque oboe and flute.
Did You Know?
The nickname 'le Romain' (the Roman) stuck with him after his youthful stay in Italy.
He is credited with introducing the redesigned, three-piece Baroque transverse flute to France.
His father, Jean Hotteterre, was also a noted instrument maker and musician.
His music was known for its detailed instructions on the French style of ornamentation.
“The flute must speak, and its speech must be clear, elegant, and in tune.”
