Biography of William Gordon (1791-1839)

1791

Born in Switzerland

Studies with Drouet

Co-inventor of the Boehm flute known today. He made the workshop of Böhm built his flutes.

Swiss soldier of scottish origin, member of the guard of Karl the X. of France, after his fall return to London.

1830

First experiments to modify the keys of the flute and first meeting with Theobald Böhm (or perhaps one year later)

1831

Orders two flutes of his own invention from Rudall and Rose. The instrument is constructed in a way to make a perfect intonation.

1839

Dies after the missing of success for his inventions of flute technics made him mad.

Further information/Sources:

Lorenzo, Leonardo de: My Complete Story of the flute
The instrument - the performer - the music
9. edition Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press,
- ISBN: 0-89672-285-6
Welch, Christopher: History of The Boehm flute
With Illustrations Exemplifying Its Origin by Progressive Stages (1883)
Kessinger Publishing,
- ISBN: 9781104178864

Last edit 02.06.2012