Top 3 flutists in the world.

Boy, have I ever opened a “can of worms” with this, but:

I read a recent (local) post wherein someone (most likely a male, since “he” only gave initials”) --- positions that: “History will record that the 3 greatest flutists of all time are: William Kincaid, James Galway and Jean-Pierre Rampal.”.

I choose to take issue with this because:

In the first instance, that “list” should have NEVER been narrowed down to “3” flutists. When you’re of the stature of these flutists, there is “no such thing” as “better” or “best”.

In the second instance, the author should have expanded his “list” to the “top TEN” flutists.

I don’t want to be ridiculous here, and suggest that there should be a “top “100” flutists --- there does, after all, have to be a “drawing line” in place, if you will.

NOT in the order of “how good they are” ---- because when you’re in the stature of the following great flutists, there is no such thing as “who is better than whom” ---- but here is MY list of the top TEN flutists in the world:

Doriot Dwyer
James Galway
Paula Robison
Susan Milan
Marina Piccinini
Julius Baker
James Pellerite
William Kincaid
Jean_Pierre Rampal
William Bennett

I realize that I’ve left out the names of other great flutists, such as: Don Peck, Joan Bennett, Maurice Sharpe, Murray Panitz, Emile Opava, etc., etc., but I had to pick the “top ten”.

That was MY call. Your opinions are welcome and invited, as I’d like to hear from you all, on this subject.

Regards, Jim Millen

Top ten flutists would be... Not in any particular order

1. ME! hahahaha!
2. Petric
3. Roger
4. Angie
5. Kippsix
6. Zevang
7. Dennis
8. Ann
9. Cheyene
10. Tim

Just too many.. I can't name them all!!!!

<Added>

In all seriousness, I could not name the top 10 from favorite to least. Every flutists is so different and each has their own style, so it would be impossible to say who is the "best." I just enjoy hearing the flute played well by a passionate person. Status doesn't mean anything to me.

My top ten (also in no particular order, and with a couple picc players thrown in for variety) would be this:

Jeffrey Khaner
Denis Bouriakov
Paul Fried
Paul Edmund-Davies
Jean-Pierre Rampal
WIBB (William Bennett)
Jeanne Baxtresser
Nicola Mazzanti
Lior Eitan
Marcel Moyse

As you noted, there's no "best" at this level...They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but are undeniably great flutists.

Dear Kara:

As I said in an earlier post: "I'm terrified of you". I know that you cling onto every word I say.

I'm no longer afraid of Patrick, Micron, Roger --- and the rest --- it's you that I have to worry about. "You'll get me, if it's the last thing that you do".

I'm sory that you read this post, because I know that I'm going to "get it". (Cackle, cackle).

Anyway, whatever you said: I agree with it. Now, can I rest in peace?

Always, Jim Millen

Jim, I am not out to get you. You are crazy!!!

Roger Murdock was the co-pilot in the movie "Airplane"

Could be in the top ten hit parade or not, but my preferences go to:

Aurèle Nicolet
Jean Pierre Rampal
Emmanuel Pahud

I notice two are French and one is Swiss. No geographical bias, just chance.

Aside from Pan and the Pied Piper,

Buffardin (He was probably the one who to premiered THE Bach Sonatas
Quantz (Buffardin's student)Wrote the book On Playing the Flute.

Marcel Moyse (Influenced way too many 20th cent. flutists to be left out of any list.)

Claude-Paul Taffanel (1844-1908) is usually considered the founder of the French Flute School

Charles Nicholson (1795-1837) may have been one of the very first concert flute soloists for a larger audiences and who may have influenced Boehm.

Theobald Boehm (1794-1881) who is the designer of the modern flute as we basically know it.

interesting topic, but purely subjective of course, there are too many to list...there are great orchestral flutists and great soloists, and great jazz and pop/latin flutists...even great studio people and those who play for shows...

kara, ill remember that i am not a top flutist in your book when i become famous and start throwing lots of money out of my private jet...

kara, ill remember that i am not a top flutist in your book when i become famous and start throwing lots of money out of my private jet...

I'm sorry. I didn't know your first name, so I didn't put you down. I am sure you are a wonderful flutists though!

It is such an honor to just be nominated.
I'd like to thank all of the little people who have supported me.
kiss kiss

Kara,

Awwwww sweetie, i'm ranked 4th in your World ....... that's soooo lovely (blush) (giggle)

I think i've mentioned it here before, Fenwick Smith is another of my favourite flautists, all my other favourites you guys have already listed.

x

Angie your dog made my day.

My favorite flutists are always changing. Currently it's Baxtresser, Wincenc, Dufour and I really like Christina Jennings' tone.

However, there are a few recording flutists that I don't like and they're permanantly on the "Tim Dislikes" list.

However, there are a few recording flutists that I don't like and they're permanantly on the "Tim Dislikes" list.

Oh come on now Tim. You say something like that and then don't give a list? Inquiring minds want to know!

I can say that any flutists that uses and excessive amount of vibrato would be on my do not like list. It is distracting to listen to and I highly dislike it.