Composer · 1792 - 1873
Louis Drouet
Biography
Louis(-François-Philippe) Drouet
(b Amsterdam, ?14 April 1792; d Berne, 8 Sept 1873). French flautist.
He played at the Paris Conservatoire at the age of seven, and though he did not study his instrument at that institution, it is recorded that he worked at composition with Méhul and Reicha. In the early 1800s he made successful concert tours with his father, and about 1808 he was appointed soloist to the King of Holland. In 1811 came an invitation from the emperor to visit Paris, where he received a similar appointment. Drouet’s success in Paris was immense, though in the opinion of many he remained second to Tulou. After the restoration of Louis XVIII he was appointed first flute in the royal chapel. Success and honours in France did not, however, reduce his desire to appear as a travelling virtuoso.