Flutist Quarterly Review
(Volume XXXIII, No. 1, Fall 2007)
of after Syrinx...:
"every flutist's favorite composition for the flute has to be Debussy's Syrinx.  What a delight to hear Mary Karen Clardy's sensitive performance immediately followed by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's Sonata after Syrinx (1985).  According to the liner notes, much of Bennett's works stem from quotation either used as a starting point or as an integral element in the composition.  So far, Bennett has used Syrinx as source material on five occasions.  This work, commissioned by the Nash Ensemble and written for Amelia Freeman, is a one-movement piece divided into six sections.

The highlight of this CD is the seasoned performance of Debussy's challenging Sonata pour Flute, Alto et Harp.  Most recordings of this work sound like a group of very fine performers who have assembled to record the work; however this recording is of a performance by an ensemble (with Barbara Sudweeks, viola; and Susan Dederic-Pejovich, Harp) whose members have performed the work many times.  The balance is excellent.  The tempi are chosen from experience and the music breathes with a simple ease.  The quality of this performance alone is reason enough to purchase the CD.

Also included on the CD is François Devienne's Duo for Flute and Viola and the Elegiac Trio by Sir Arnold Bax.
......Patricia George