French Baroque Flute Edition
Sheet Music

SKU: NX.BRI95783

Composed by Francois Couperin, Jacques-Martin Hotteterre, Jean-Daniel Braun, Jean-Henry D'Anglebert, Joseph Borin de Boismortier, Michel Blavet, Michel Pignolet de Monteclair, and Pierre Danican Philidor. Classical, Baroque Era. Classical. CD. Brilliant Classics #BRI95783. Published by Brilliant Classics (NX.BRI95783).

The predecessor to the modern flute is known as the flauto traverso. The recorder meanwhile was at the time considered to be another type of flute, and was identified using various terms including flauto dolce, flauto diritto and Blockflote. The varying terminology has proved confusing for modern performers, who have often forgone the traverso or recorder in favor of the modern flute. The early music revival of the 20th century has led to a renewed effort to perform music on the composer's intended instruments. This collection follows in the same vein, as the performers here strive to recreate the pieces and remain faithful to how the composer envisioned them. The set opens with a selection of pieces by Francois Couperin (1668-1733), who rejected nationalism in his music in favor of cross-cultural European integration. Le Parnasse, ou L'Apotheose de Corelli and Les Nations are unique in their blending of French and Italian styles. As well as better-known figures such as Visee and Boismortier, this set introduces us to composers outside the mainstream. This release features new recordings of the overlooked composer Jean-Daniel Braun from award-winning performer and conductor Jed Wentz and his ensemble Musica ad Rhenum. Little is known of Braun, except that he was likely a member of the court orchestra in Paris. His musical expertise is reflected in highly technical and precise writing, and he brings out the characteristic gentle and lyrical sound of the traverso with sweet and expressive melody writing. The flute music of instrument-maker Jacques-Martin Hotteterre (1674-1763) is also a standout contribution to this set, and the prelude from L'Art de preluder Op.7 has a haunting and melancholy opening. Meanwhile, the 3rd and 5th suites were left without preludes, so the flautist Guillermo Penalver has composed one for Suite No.3, while Tony Millan has made composed a Rameau-style movement to begin the Suite No.5 followed by arranged themes from a Couperin prelude.