Flute Vocalise – Beloved Concert Classics
This is the fifth album in our list from the fantastic Smith and Rhodes partnership. Here we have a programme of well-loved pieces for flute and piano (with some arrangements) to produce an album which can be listened to intently (as all good music should) or enjoyed as a backdrop to any social occasion. Timeless concert classics for all to enjoy and incredible playing too.
Also see the sequel to this disc: Expressive Voice of the Flute
Track Listing
-
Cecile Chaminade:
- Concertino, Op. 107 (8:19) Fryderyk Chopin:
- Variations on a Theme by Rossini (6:41) Camille Saint-Saëns:
- Carnival of the Animals - The Swan (2:25) Benjamin Godard:
- I. Suite de Trois Morceaux, Op. 116 - I. Allegretto (1:59)
- II. Suite de Trois Morceaux, Op. 116 - II. Idylle (4:09)
- III. Suite de Trois Morceaux, Op. 116 - III. Valse (4:25) Jules Massenet:
- Meditation from 'Thais' (4:39) Claude Debussy:
- En Bateau, from 'Little Suite' (3:49) Giulio Briccialdi:
- Il Carnevale di Venezia, Op. 77 (6:54) Sergei Rachmaninov:
- Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (4:26) Philippe Gaubert:
- I. Nocturne et Allegro Scherzando - I. Nocturne (3:35)
- II. Nocturne et Allegro Scherzando - II. Allegro Scherzando (2:43) Gabriel Fauré:
- Berceuse, Op. 16 (3:49) François Borne:
- Fantaisie Brillante sur 'Carmen' (12:04)
Reviews
“Smith brings … evenness of tone and an individual singing quality throughout the register and always with flawless intonation. [His] wonderful clarity in the high register is exceptional… [his] ability to make seamless, dramatic shifts in colouring is simply inspiring. These tunes may be well-known old warhorses but you could not better their performance.
” —Daniel Shao
“The first word that comes to mind when listening is ‘singing’: the title is chosen perfectly! Smith plays in a smooth and silky French style with the most beautiful legato. His playing is elegant and graceful, even when playing high in the third register! In addition, Smith is a fiery virtuoso. A special flautist and a special CD
” —Wieke Karsten
“A complement to the remarkable triple CD (DDA21371). The title, ‘Beloved Concert Classics’ speaks for itself. [Smith and Rhodes] deliver a veritable lesson in style.
” —P.G.
“Beautiful and sensitive renditions of what is now regarded as standard flute repertoire. Paul Rhodes is the ideal accompanist, never overpowering and always follows the soloists’ every nuance. The performances seem effortless, always the signature of great performers.
” —Robert Brown
“A varied, extended and delightful treat for jaded ears.. Smith is effortlessly superb in his coloratura technique and expressive phrasing, filling these works with clean summer oxygen and a sprightly skip. This is a recital to savour enhanced by good quality audio.
” —Byzantion
“Spectacularly fine playing … beautiful flute phrases and idiomatic piano part … performance of such care and sensitivity … there is much to enjoy on this beautifully played and produced disc.
” —Bruce Reader
