“The playing on copies of original instruments (flute by Tutz/Denner & harpsichord by Garlick/Couchet) was vital and fresh.
The baroque flute is so gentle and intimate the front seats were not too close; this is really domestic chamber music. Balance between flute and the harpsichord’s treble was satisfactory allowing a nice interchange of counterpoint.
A very enjoyable three-quarters of an hour. Best was the B minor sonata, which alone boasts a Bach autograph, but there is no proof that it was conceived for the flute.”
JS Bach Flute Sonatas, 10 January 2000
Bach’s 250th deathday is the occasion for wall to wall Bach this year, and Seen&Heard will sample the offerings, but judiciously! It began well at the Purcell Room, with three flute sonatas (all with dubious authenticity, we were advised, despite their popularity!). This new duo of two personable young ladies chose to present themselves with ‘atmospheric lighting’ which changed movement by movement; the rather forbiddingly austere QEH foyer too was, hopefully, humanised by pools of coloured light. Seen&Heard will concentrate on what was to be heard, quite sufficient without garish adornment.
The playing on copies of original instruments (flute by Tutz/Denner & harpsichord by Garlick/Couchet) was vital and fresh. The baroque flute is so gentle and intimate the front seats were not too close; this is really domestic chamber music. Balance between flute and the harpsichord’s treble was satisfactory allowing a nice interchange of counterpoint. A very enjoyable three-quarters of an hour. Best was the B minor sonata, which alone boasts a Bach autograph, but there is no proof that it was conceived for the flute.
For the full review go to the Musicweb.uk.net website.
