Customer Reviews

Reinecke: Harp Concerto: Flute Concerto

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Carl Reinecke was born in 1824, but lived all the way until 1910. When he wrote the two works for flute and orchestra presented here at the beginning of the 20th century, the style was already more than half a century out of date. The style, in other words, remains firmly within the tradition of Schumann and perhaps Mendelssohn. But there is no doubt that Reinecke was an expert craftsman who knew how to put together such works expertly and hold the listener's attention despite the (admittedly) paucity of the actual material. In other words, the two works (the Ballade less so than the concerto) are charmingly enjoyable but inconsequential works. They are played with elegance by Patrick Gallois, although he as a tendency to be a little more audibly breathy than one could perhaps have hoped for. Still, this is a recommendable performance of two fine works.

Apart from the Undine sonata for flute and piano, Reinecke's harp concerto is probably his most famous work and the only one that has retained a place in the repertoire. It is in fact a very fine piece, spirited and playful and gorgeously scored - Reinecke has, if anything, taken meticulous care to provide orchestral textures that can actually work in a concerto with the harp as the soloist. Fabrice Pierre provides a spirited, finely shaped performance with both character and beauty of tone.

In both works the Swedish Chamber Orchestra are effective partners, with crisp playing and a lively tone. In short, the performances here make the most out of these works, without trying to make more out of them than there are. The sound quality is fine as well, and all in all the disc deserves a secure recommendation for anyone on the lookout for easy, engaging music.

Seriously, quite honestly, I don't reccomend this recording especially for flute concertos, a harp cocerto is fine though. Patrick Gallois's interpretation is sort of'incomprehensible, uncomfortable accents, wierd breathe places etc... These are not my prejudice, in facts some flutist regret that he changed his style completely; he used to play better than now!! In my opinion, you should also buy his previous recording or the same music played by the other to understand how strange this recording is.