Even the best-known composer in his/her lifetime may fall into obscurity after death. French composer François-Joseph Gossec was acknowledged to be the greatest instrumental composer at the close of the ancien régime in France (Marie Antoinette loved his music) and, in an amazing volte face, he was acknowledged to be the greatest composer of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods (Robespierre loved his music). While his operas and ballets for the ancien régime could not compare with Gluck from the same period, his orchestral symphonies were immensely successful. He was also, beyond all doubt, the composer of Revolutionary France, composing not only gargantuan works for public celebrations and ceremonies but even composing the Hymn to the Supreme Being which was, for a time, the hymn of the Revolution.

But all that has faded from memory and Gossec is instead remembered—if he is remembered at all—for having composed the Tambourin for Flute and Orchestra. Taken from his "divertissement-lyrique" Le triomphe de la République, it is nearly mandatory among flutists: James Galway and, of course, Jean-Pierre Rampal, have performed and recorded it numerous times. It also exists in a seemingly infinite number of arrangements for flute and every possible combination of instruments plus arrangements for nearly every possible solo instrument except, perhaps, sousaphone. But while the Tambourin is a charming little piece with an unforgettably delightful melody and sprightly rhythm, it is hardly representative of Gossec's greater achievement, and one can only imagine the old man whirling in his grave with the knowledge that it is his Tambourin that has gained a measure of immortality for him.

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