It is thought that only around 900 flutes were made by the legendary French master, Claude RIVE (1833-1895). Each Claude Rive flute is considered a masterpiece and players worldwide are drawn to Rive’s flutes since they combine aesthetic beauty with exceptional sound. Owning a Claude Rive flute is a dream come true for many.  So, who was this iconic flute-maker?

Claude Rive (Cabut dit Mermoz) was born in Lyon on 21 January 1833. He was the son of Marc RIVE dit Mermoz (1783-1844) and Francoise VINCENT (1791-1843). His father was a belt manufacturer. Claude Rive’s mother died first, followed by his father and so he was an orphan at the age of just 11. He was then maybe taken in by a relative or perhaps he started work as an apprentice.

Rive next appears on 9 January 1869 in Paris at his wedding to the dressmaker Anne VIDAL (1839-1920). His occupation is jeweller living at 16 Rue de Charonne. There were some interesting witnesses to the marriage. They were the jeweller Jules Amand NIAUX and the instrument makers Jean Baptiste THIBOUVILLE, August Adrien BONNEVILLE and Charles PIRON. We know that at this time Rive worked for Vincent Hippolite GODFROY (1806-1868) making keys and when Godfroy died, he was listed in his estate inventory as a jeweller. It is likely that Rive worked alongside Bonneville for the widow Madame Godfroy for some time.

In 1877, Rive set up his own instrument workshop at 93 rue du Temple, Paris. Shortly after, he exhibited his “flûtes cylindriques” at the 1878 Universal Exposition in Paris and was honoured with a silver medal. At the next show in 1889, he also received a silver medal.

Only six years later, on 21 September 1895, Claude Rive died at his home in rue du Temple. His death certificate was completed with a declaration by Alexandre ROBERT (1853-?) aged 42, an instrument maker and friend of the deceased. He had no children. [Jules] Alexandre Robert took over Rive’s workshop. His widow Anne Vidal continued to live at their home at 93 rue du Temple until she died in 1920.

Claude Rive is buried at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise in Paris. The stele features stone bas-reliefs, including a weeping willow positioned under a palm tree that holds a lyre, which is situated beneath a cross, along with two stone funeral wreaths flanking either side. The inscription reads

Famille C. RIVE

Claude RIVE, 1833-1895. Unis pendant la vie, réunis à la mort.

The C. RIVE Family

Claude RIVE, 1833–1895. United in life, reunited in death.

Photos of the grave courtesy of Les Amis et Passionnés du Père Lachaise. APPL-Lachaise.net

Claude Rive flutes will continue to be celebrated for their outstanding quality and elegance – rare gems from a fine jeweller and master flute-maker.