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CD Review

Johann Sebastian Bach

The Complete Flute Sonatas

• Sonata in E minor, BWV 1034
• Sonata in A Major, BWV 1032
• Partita in A minor, BWV 1013
• Trio in G Major, BWV 1039
• Sonata in B minor, BWV 1030
• Sonata in E Major, BWV 1035
• Sonata in G minor, BWV 1020
• Sonata in C Major, BWV 1033
• Sonata in E Flat Major, BWV 1031

Lisa Beznosiuk, flute
Paul Nicholson, harpsichord
Richard Tunnicliffe, cello
Hyperion CDA67264/5 122m DDD 2CDs

Bach's flute sonatas are relaxing, miraculous structures of unforced motion that make for some wonderful listening.

My previous (much loved) version before these Hyperion CDs was devoted to Musica Antiqua Köln's magnificent set on Archiv but Besnoziuk and partners now must take the cake for succinct beauty. The Sonatas in E minor and A Major are beautifully played with just the right amount of verve and drive in the fast movements and relaxed sedateness in the slow movements that demonstrate Bach's capabilities to explore the flute's innate capabilities as a virtuoso instrument. The Trio Sonata has the felicitous intervention of Rachel Brown on an additional flute whilst the second disc contains the sublime Sonata in G minor, another important example of Bach's brilliance in the flute genre.

Throughout all sonatas Besnoziuk is accompanied with zest and affection by Paul Nicholson and Richard Tunnicliffe on harpsichord and cello respectively. The fresh and invigorating Hyperion sound is an added bonus whilst the whole package is expertly annotated and beautifully presented. I would say that this the prime recommendation for the flute sonatas by the master.

Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech