Nicolas Chédeville (1705-1782) was the youngest of three instrumentalists from a branch of the Hotteterre family, known for its major role in the manufacturing of wind instruments as well as for its famous musicians active at the court of Versailles.

The eldest brother (Pierre) died in 1725 but the two younger brothers played oboe in royal musical circles and were especially renowned as players and makers of musettes, as well as composers and arrangers for their favourite instrument.

Both brothers enjoyed permanent posts as ‘hautbois de la chambre’ and ‘musettes ordinaires’ in the Royal Academy of Music.

The works of Nicolas Chédeville include collections for amateurs and pieces requiring great virtuosity. His works are divided in style, between divertissements in the French style (dances, marches, fanfares or country tunes) and sonatas in the Italian style.

The works of his elder brother, Esprit-Philippe, in some ways resemble the style of the younger Nicolas but adhere more closely to the French school.

As virtuosi, composers and renowned makers, the Chédeville brothers belong alongside other exceptional instrumentalists of the period such as harpsichordist Couperin and viol player Forqueray.