Brilliant solos performed by a virtuoso piccolo player were not an uncommon phenomenon in the late nineteenth century. Pieces of light music such as polkas and boleros were a pleasant diversion in the concert-hall, and even more so in the open air. Bird imitations were very popular too, and titles such as La Tourterelle, L'Oiseau du Bois were not exceptional. The soloist was usually accompanied by a small orchestra, sometimes by a piano. Trevor Wye, who owns a collection of old shellac records of celebrated piccolo virtuosi, has made a selection of the most attractive pieces.
