BOEHM, THEOBALD: Grande Polonaise in D Major Op. 16
Theobald Boehm is best known as the inventor of the modern flute. Born in Munich, Bavaria, Boehm received his training as a goldsmith from his father. Using this knowledge, Boehm perfected the flute of his time, and improved its fingering system. Eager to demonstrate the capabilities of this new instrument, Boehm composed many pieces of great brilliance, most of them scored for flute and orchestra. Among the most demanding is the Grande Polonaise.
In 1871, Boehm published Die Flöte und das Flötenspiel, a treatise on the acoustical, technical, and artistic aspects of the Boehm system flute. In addition to being an inventor, Boehm is also remembered today as a virtuoso flutist, Bavarian Court Musician, and celebrated composer for the flute.