COMPOSERS: Boccherini
LABELS: Sony
WORKS: Flute Quintet No. 1 in F; Flute Quintet No. 2 in G; Flute Quintet No. 3 in C; Flute Quintet No. 5 In G; Flute Quintet No. 6 In B flat
PERFORMER: Jean-Pierre Rampal (flute), Regis Pasquier (violin), Bruno Pasquier (viola), Roland Pidoux, Mathilde Sternat (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: SK 62679
This is the first recording of five unautographed flute quintets from the late 18th century which were recently discovered in Madrid. Although not yet authenticated as being by Luigi Boccherini, they are here attributed to him; if he didn't write them, then a composer with an equal passion for singable melodies and inventive instrumental dialogue did.
Each is scored for flute and string quartet comprising two cellos. Jean-Pierre Rampal (flute), Re'gis Pasquier (violin) and Roland Pidoux (concertante cello) seize Boccherini's virtuosic roles with confidence, giving the feel-good tunes the flamboyant treatment they deserve. All performers judge the heavier, Romantic moods of the middle movements with languorous precision.
Close miking means occasional audible sniffs, but this merely adds to the drama; with headphones you can hear an uncharacteristically husky tone from Rampal. Kate Sherriff