Customer Reviews

Bach: The Complete Flute Sonatas

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

British flautist Lisa Beznosiuk is world-renoun, having played with the whose-who of period ensembles such as The Age of Enlightenment, English Concert and Acadamy of Ancient Music. On this recording, she plays a single-key transverse flute which is quite a feat to come off sounding smooth over such a range of music as Bach's flute sonatas. Ms. Benzosiuk makes it look like child's play here on her ebony Alain Weemaels flute (modeled after a Rottenburgh early 18th century instrument). She is accompanied by her cellist husband, Richard Tunnicliffe and Paul Nicholson on a 1705 Mitke harpsichord.

Benzosiuk's talent for her unique instrument goes without saying and there is no disappointment on this 2-CD set with her playing or Bach's compositions. What is a disappointment is yet another overly-resonant Hyperion recording which causes to the music to be rather "lost in space." The net effect is to diminish the clarity and vividness of the sound. But, at least the balance of flute and continuo is ideal and better than in some other period flute recordings of this music (Janet See's recordings which the harpsichord gets lost). Another positive is some 7 pages of quality notes on the history of Bach's writing for flute and some nice cover art. Another recording worth pursuing and recommended is Ashley Solomon's set on Channel Classics. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 4.5 stars; Sound quality - 3 stars.

Over the years, I've own a number of performances of these works and finally settled into this one on 2-CDs and period instruments - I've gravitated more toward the use of these period instruments in the appropriate setting. These recordings w/ Lisa Beznosiuk are excellent; her flute playing is just smooth and melodic; all instruments are well recorded, and not sure that I agree w/ the deficient sound comments - I own dozens of Hyperion discs and their engineering is typically top notch.

ClassicsToday gave the recording a 10/10 performance and sound rating; MusicWeb also gave the set a superlative review commenting on the performance of the flautist and the fine balance of the three instruments. Best of all is that I purchased my set @ Berkshire Record Outlet for $14! There may be a 'better recording' of these works, but I can assure you that there are plenty that are inferior - one of the TOP choices if you enjoy Baroque chamber music played on period instruments!

These Bach Flute Sonata performances are remarkably satisfying to listen to - beautifully performed. I enjoy them over and over again.