A vocal model derived from opera : the example of the repertoire of Fantasies for flute on opera themes in 19th century France ; Un modèle vocal issu de l'opéra : l'exemple des fantaisies pour flûte sur des thèmes d'opéra en France au XIXe siècle

The conception of a new model of transverse flute in 1847 by Theobald Boehm, as well as its popularisation in France during the 19th century, was a real milestone in the creation of music for woodwind instruments of the woodwind family during this period. Although the possibilities of the early instrument are systematically described by its contemporaries as hopelessly inadequate, the invention of a new mechanism – equally applicable to the other instruments of the same family – favours the ascension of the transverse flute to the group of virtuoso instruments as the piano or the violin already were and functional instruments for professionals and amateurs. Despite the purely mechanical aspects – thanks to which the handling of the instrument became more comfortable – the construction of Boehm's new flute was based on scientifically based data obtained by the virtuoso through the study of acoustics. The use of metal in the construction of the instrument also allowed the emergence of a new timbre, which became the standard-bearer of the so-called French school of flute making, and completed the potential of a new instrument. One of the consequences of the birth of this instrument is the appearance of an emblematic repertoire: the Fantasies for flute on operatic themes. This repertoire – rather late in its most virtuosic formulation – undoubtedly aims to reproduce the trajectory of prestigious violinists and pianists of the virtuoso group. This compositional model – the subject of my research – while still observing an anachronistic architectural pattern, continued to enjoy remarkable popularity both in the Parisian salons and among the public of amateurs in France throughout the 19th century. It is the ideal receptacle for the exploration of the characterisation of operatic characters with instrument timbre. ; La conception d'un nouveau modèle de flûte traversière en 1847 par Theobald Boehm, ainsi que sa popularisation en France au cours du XIXe siècle, représentent un véritable jalon dans la création musicale ...