François Devienne was born in Joinville in 1759 and died in Paris in 1803. He was a flautist, bassoonist, composer and teacher. He arrived in Paris in 1779 and soon became a chamber musician to the Cardinal de Rohan. He made solo appearances playing his own concerti and was employed as an orchestral bassoonist. He eventually transferred his allegiance to the Band of the Paris National Guard (who paid better!) and to their Free School of Music where he became a teacher and administrator. He wrote comic operas and in 1794 published a method for the one-key flute. This includes useful duets and gives insights into late 18th century articulation. He became Professor of Flute at the Paris Conservatoire when it opened in 1795. Devienne was also a prolific composer of chamber music, producing 25 quartets, 46 trios, 147 duos and 67 sonatas.