Instrument: 8-key flute in cocus wood?, with ornamental silver rings and keys, silver lip plate, original case, serial #63,
1818-1819
Maker: Drouet, Louis - London
Pitch: A=440 - 446
Sounding Length:
Total Length:
Embouchure size:
Restorer: Mark Leone
Notes: Drouet is mostly known for his ivory flutes - this is equally as fancy but made of beautiful wood. It was missing the touch of the C and G keys. It is otherwise it seemed in excellent condition. The process of restoration found many hidden issues - some rather amaizing and difficult to understand. Because the restoration was so interesting and so well done I will also show some photos of that work. This is restoration work at its highest level.
When Drouet started marketing flute, hewas trying to market a French type of flute, made in London by a group of well-known makers, and aimed primarily at the English market. Unfortunately, the English players didn’t enjoy Drouet’s very small embouchure (even small on my ivory example) and the small tone holes. His later flute, proably made by expert builder Cornelius Ward, were much better suited to the English preferences. This is such a flute. As a player Drouet was famous for his sweet and crystalline tone, especially in the high register. People did, however, complain that he was a soft player - especially in comparison to the top English players.
Note the very odd foot joint with the C# and C below the D key, rather than the usual position above or further down the flute. The barrel seems to be made of a different wood. This is spectaularly beautiful flute - dressed in the finest clothing!
Demonstration recordings: Drouet Broderies / Verzierungen
