Born in Toulouse, Marcel Bitsch (1921-2011) went on to study at the Paris Conservatoire before becoming a professor of counterpoint at the institution. As an exceptionally versatile musician, Bitsch has composed orchestral works, chamber works and numerous, popular pieces for wind instruments, French Suite on themes from the 17th century for Oboe being no exception.

suitable for advanced oboists, Bitsch's French Suite on themes from the 17th century was published in 1964. With a typical performance lasting around 7 minutes and 45 seconds, the Suite is made up of four movements; Pavane, Gaillarde, Gigue and Riguadon. Bitsch's French Suite on themes from the 17th century addresses many musical aspects from the 17th century and is an outstanding and necessary addition to the Oboe repertoire.