Francois Devienne was born in 1759 in Joinville. By the age of 20 he was listed in the orchestra of the Paris Opera. During the next quarter century, Devienne was a prominent figure in Parisian music life. He was known as a virtuoso bassoonist and flautist who composed numerous orchestral, chamber, solo and dramatic works. Devienne was appointed professor at the Conservatory in 1795, enjoyed great success as a teacher, and is still known for his Methode for flute.

These charming sonatas can be heard performed by Jesse Read, bassoon, and Glen Wilson, fortepiano, on compact disc ETCETERA KTC 1024