Pan, British Flute Society Journal

Sonatas and Sonatinas

              Mary Karen Clardy, flute; Steven Harlos, piano

              Encore Performance Recordings

              EPR-2520

 

              This is a very refreshing mix of lesser-known repertoire, including the world premiere recording of the Sonata Rubata by Steven Harlos, the pianist in the recording.

 

             According to the blurb, the piece is composed in a style reminiscent of the early 20th century, and there is certainly a sunny Gallic atmosphere to the opening, interspersed with moments of darkness leading into the second subject.  Form and tonality are fairly conventional, but none the worse for that.

 

             The following Sonatina pour Flute et Piano en 3 Parties Enchainees (1956) by Jean Rivier is pure delight, and all too short at about 10 minutes'duration.  The 1947 Soatina by M. Camargo Guarnieri is even more energetic and rhythmically inventive, while being even shorter at eight minutes.  The last movement, in particular, makes considerable demandson the technique of the flautist.  Most profound in its exploration of dramatic and emotional extremes seems to be the 1953 Sonatina by Jaap Geraedts, whose Poco Lento second movement seems to deal in the depths of sadness with a desolate solo flute opening.  This was the most convincing piece for me.

 

            This CD provides a welcome insight into some very worthwhile music, and any flute player planning a recital ought to look i nto these works.  The recording is clear, open and natural, and the playing is refined and accomplished.  There is clearly a good rapport between the players, and the enduring impression is one of a happy and fruitful partnership.

 

                                                                             Leslie Sheills