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, Sonata No. 3 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 Sonata No. 3, which was published in 1934. Addressing many technical features, including flourishing semiquaver passages, a wide range, emotion, intervals, chromaticism and complex rhythms, Sonata No. 3 is a challenging yet riveting and stirring piece for aspiring flautists.