Philippe Gaubert (1879-1941) was a distinguished performer on the Flute. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that his compositions for the instrument are at the forefront of the Flute's repertoire, Sicilienne being no exception.

After a prominent career as a flautist with the Paris Opéra, he was appointed as professor of Flute at the Paris Conservatoire, as well as principal conductor of leading orchestras. It was during this time that Gaubert composed, including his Sicilienne which was published in 1914. Addressing many technical features, including flourishing semiquaver passages, a wide range, changing time signatures, chromaticism, a variety in dynamics and dotted rhythms, Sicilienne is a pleasantly inspiring piece for aspiring flautists.