The combination of flute and harp is one that has fascinated composers over the centuries, and this outstanding new recording features some of the best pieces written for these instruments alongside new and rhapsodic transcriptions of music that has been arranged admirably for the natural combination of these beautiful instruments by these very gifted instrumentalists.
The album takes its title from the pieces by Mendelssohn which open and interpolate the programme, and here also are two rare but very charming songs by Mozart, and a group of four by Gabriel Fauré, with two by de Falla, alongside music from famous operas by Tchaikovsky, Mascagni and Massenet. There is music from France by Poulenc and from Russia by Rimsky-Korsakov, and this delightful album ends with a group of appealing Romanian folk-songs. A most charming record of wide appeal.
October 2008
“The flutist has a beautiful, singing tone with a wide range of dynamics just what this music deserves. I admire harpists who play with not only technical skill but also a clear sense of phrase and line, and that is certainly the case here...Their program, all transcriptions, is well conceived and ordered in such a way that you can listen from Start to Finish Without losing interest.”
23rd May 2008
“The performers treat each of the works differently, and perform with sensitivity, intelligence and excellent communication. The programming is interesting and imaginative, and put together with much thought.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
