COMPOSERS: Kleinknecht
LABELS: Globe
WORKS: Sonate da camera
PERFORMER: Wilbert Hazelzet (flute), Jacques Ogg (fortepiano), Christiaan Norde (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: GLO 5135
Somehow JF Kleinknecht (1722-94) has managed to slip through the flautist’s net. A grave neglect judging by this inspirational, world premiere recording in which Wilbert Hazelzet champions five of the German composer’s sonate da camera on period flute. Having spent the majority of his musically productive years at the Bayreuth court, Kleinknecht’s career reached its zenith when he was appointed Kapellmeister in 1761. His voice represents a curious cross-section of styles, one moment embracing the contrapuntal textures of the Baroque, the next casting this off in favour of the clean, galant style of an early Classical dance. Vivaldian virtuoso passages are heard alongside grander glimpses of Quantz and there is an unrestrained individualism reminiscent of CPE Bach.
As the foremost exponent of the Baroque flute, Hazelzet tackles its quirky qualities with flair. His heartfelt embellishments are never attention-seeking yet draw us in to the sensuous beauty of the slower movements. His tone is fruity, full and, for a wooden flute, very focused. This makes his Allegros and Prestos sparkle with a real soloistic sense of direction, allowing support on the resonant fortepiano and cello to complete rather than overpower Kleinknecht’s colourful picture. Kate Sherriff