Debussy: Sonata for Flute, Viola & Harp (Sonate en trio)

'The great twin reed on which we lay beneath the sky.'

Stéphane Mallarmé was very impressed by the way in which Debussy had expanded on the moods of his poem, L'Après-midi d'un faune. The flute is not the most widely used instrument in Debussy's music, but he wrote one or two masterpieces for it. With the exception of his famous last Sonata for flute, viola and harp, all of the pieces on this recording were associated with theatrical or literary performances - an opportunity to put Syrinx back in context (Gabriel Mourey's drama, Psyché) and to hear Pierre Louÿs' Chansons de Bilitis as they were performed (with a small instrumental ensemble and reciter) on a day in February 1901. This title was released for the first time in 1998.

‘Juliette Hurel performs them with technical assurance and a fine sense of style, in which sparing use of vibrato is only one of the positive elements.’ Gramophone

‘Transparency, light, colours, tenderness, melancholy: all these come to mind when I try to pin down what I mean by “French impressions”. With its gentle, rich, sensuous and vivid sound, the flute is for me the perfect instrument for this repertoire. I have long wanted to record the works assembled here in the company of my dear friends. I am delighted to present them to you now.’ Juliette Hurel

For her third recording on Zig-Zag Territoires, Juliette Hurel offers us a journey through the French masterpieces for flute of the first half of the twentieth century, including Poulenc’s Flute Sonata, Debussy’s Sonata for flute, viola and harp, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and Syrinx, and Fauré’s Sicilienne and Berceuse.

An iconic record, this collection of two well-known (Debussy, Ravel) and two rarities (Roussel, Ropartz) of the chamber music repertoire was issued in both its LP and CD incarnations to great acclaim. It was recorded in the unusually spacious acoustic of Walthamstow Assembly Hall and its late producer, Ray Minshull, provides an amusing recollection of the genesis of this now legendary recording.

"The Melos Ensemble is extremely sensitive to the nuances and rubatos of the music, produces some lovely tone, and succeeds in making the work hold together..." Gramophone.

This collection presents Debussy’s compositions from 1891- 1915 in a totally new light. Chamber versions of works such as Prélude l’après midi d’un faune and Danses sacrées et profane are a revelation, particularly in the hands of such excellent musicians.

Once more Indésins have gathered together many distinguished artists to perform some of the best French compositions.

The CD also includes Danses sacrée et profane for harp and strings.

This is performed by Fabrice Pierre with Ensemble La Folia.

Bax and Debussy, almost simultaneously and without collusion, created works for flute, viola and harp, and many other composers have written for this combination of instruments since. This disc brings many of them together under the “Terzetti” heading.

The Debussy Ensemble comprises Susan Milan (flute), Ieuan Jones (harp) and Matthew Jones (viola). Many of these works were performed by the Trio at the Purcell Room in late March 2010 (preceded by a performance on R3 “In Tune”).

“The eponymous trio gave a restrained, somewhat understated, performance, which brought out the longing of the music. As an encore, we were treated to a miniature by Théodore Dubois which brought the evening to a serene close. I look forward to hearing the Debussy Ensemble in more repertoire for this combination of instruments for if anyone can create interest in it, these are the people to look to.” Musical Opinion

This is the debut release from a group who have gone from strength to strength since Ríona Ó Duinnín (flute), Nancy Johnson (viola) and Geraldine O'Doherty (harp) first played together in 2003. Triocca won a place on Music Network's Young Musicwide scheme three years later, have performed to critical and public acclaim in Europe and Asia and have premiered works by James Wilson, Philip Martin, Eric Sweeney and Linda Buckley, amongst others.

Triocca: Trios for Flute, Viola & Harp reveals how great ensembles are much more than the sum of their parts. Music from Arnold Bax, Debussy and Hamilton Harty is illuminated by the attention to detail and sheer pleasure these musicians take in their playing. Triocca's selection and treatment of works from Irish composers Philip Martin and Eric Sweeney is marked by the way they always pursue substance over style with regard to new music.

Everyone who has heard this CD from the photographer and designers to various lyric staff and friends has loved the music. Triocca: Trios for Flute, Viola & Harp seems to have that melodic and artistic integrity that manages to appeal both to the classical purist and those with more catholic tastes in music.