It’s hard to believe that Carl Reinecke lived until 1910 (he was born in 1824), writing these two works for flute just a couple of years before his death. Musically speaking he never ventured beyond Mendelssohn and Schumann, but from our vantage point nearly a century later that hardly matters. Without doubt he was a master craftsman, and his Harp Concerto quite possibly is the finest in the repertoire for the instrument. It’s beautifully played here by Fabrice Pierre, with refulgent tone, plenty of lively character, and an excellent accompaniment from the Swedish Chamber Orchestra under Patrick Gallois. The Finale-Scherzo is particularly delicious. Pierre takes over the conductor’s job for the two flute pieces, which are equally charming and puzzlingly neglected on disc. Gallois certainly has the chops, or should I say “the lips” for them, although his tone is a touch breathier than I prefer. Still, with fine sonics, and at a very attractive price, this disc is a winner.
