10 Facts About Joseph Rampal

Joseph Rampal was a prominent and distinguished French flutist and flute teacher, and the father of the internationally-renowned soloist Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Joseph Rampal was to become another star graduate of the legendary French Flute School.

Joseph Rampal himself was wounded twice in 1916 but survived and in 1918 returned to Paris to continue his flute studies at the Conservatoire.

Back in Marseille from 1919, Joseph Rampal joined the Marseille Radio Orchestra and began teaching flute at the Marseille Conservatoire.

Nevertheless, Joseph Rampal privately encouraged his son's learning of the flute at their apartment home at 20 rue Brochier, Marseille.

Joseph Rampal's son had by then acquired his first silver flute as a gift from his grandfather.

Joseph Rampal had a strong stage presence and was very committed in his playing.

Once, in 1946, Joseph Rampal was asked to play a flute solo with the Marseille Orchestra but, wishing to encourage his son's burgeoning career, he persuaded the conductor to allow Jean-Pierre to play in his place.

Joseph Rampal died in Paris in January 1983, aged 87.

Notice of his death appeared in the New York Times, 14 January 1983, an occurrence that reflects the enormous popularity in America by then achieved by the son, whose early career Joseph Rampal did so much to shape.