Bach, J S: Flute Sonata No. 2 in E flat major, BWV1031

Sharon Bezaly has demonstrated her great gifts as a flutist on a number of recordings on BIS ranging from the concertos written for her by renowned contemporary composers, including Sofia Gubaidulina and Kalevi Aho, to the classic staples of the flute literature such as Mozart’s concertos and flute quartets. Along the way there has been a wealth of imaginatively programmed recital discs, focusing on the great flute sonatas as well as the French flute tradition.

On this disc, Bezaly visits the period in which the flute became established as a solo instrument in its own right. It was only in the eighteenth century that wind players began to specialize on flute rather than oboe or recorder and composers started writing specifically for it. This disc reflects these exciting developments in musical taste with a programme of six sonatas for flute and harpsichord, with and without the support of a bass instrument.

Bezaly has chosen to perform with London Baroque members Charles Medlam and Terence Charlston. The result is a highly enjoyable disc, which marries together the golden tones of Bezaly’s modern flute with the stylistic expertise of two of the most experienced musicians in the field of historical performance.