A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tulou, Jean

by Gustave Chouquet

TULOU, Jean Louis, eminent French flute-player and composer, born in Paris, Sept. 12, 1786, son of a good bassoon-player named Jean Pierre Tulou (born in Paris 1749, died 1799); entered the Conservatoire very young, studied the flute with Wunderlich, and took the first prize in 1801. He first made his mark at the Théâtre Italien, and in 1813 succeeded his master at the Opéra. In 1816 the production of 'Le Rossignol,' an insignificant opera by Lebrun, gave him an opportunity of showing his powers in a series of passages à deux with the singer Mme. Albert, and proving himself the first flute-player in the world. Drouet himself acknowledged the superiority of a rival whose style was so pure, whose intonation was so perfect, and who drew so excellent a tone from his 4-keyed wooden flute. Very popular in society, both on account of his talent, and for his inexhaustible spirits, Tulou was prompt at repartee, and had a fund of sarcastic humour which he uttered freely on anything he disliked. His droll comments on the régime of the Restoration were resented by the Ministry in a practical form, for he was passed over in the appointment of flute-player to the Chapelle du Roi, and also in the professorship at the Conservatoire on Wunderlich's death. In consequence of this slight he left the Opéra in 1822, but returned in 1826 with the title of first flute solo. On Jan. 1, 1829, he became professor at the Conservatoire, where his class was well attended. Among his pupils may be mentioned V. Coche, Rémusat, Forestier, Donjon, Brunot, Altes, and Demersseman. Tulou frequently played at the Société des Concerts, and wrote much for his instrument, especially during the time he was teaching. His works include innumerable airs with variations, fantasias on operatic airs, concertos, and grand solos with orchestra, a few duets for two flutes, a grand trio for three flutes, solos for the Conservatoire examinations, etc. This music is all well-written for the instrument, and the accompaniments show the conscientious artist. Several pieces are still standard works. In 1856 Tulou retired from the Conservatoire and the flute-making business. His trade-mark was a nightingale, doubtless in allusion to the opera in which he made his first success. Both as performer and manufacturer he opposed Boehm's system, and would neither make nor play on any other flute than the wooden one with 5 keys. Nevertheless he took medals at the Exhibitions of 1834, 39, 44, and 49, was honourably mentioned at that of 1851 in London, and gained a medal of the first class at the Paris Exhibition of 1855. After his retirement he lived at Nantes, where he died July 23, 1865.

[ G. C. ]