Posted by Sir James Galway on September 29, 2003 at 01:23:00:

Great New Flute Recordings

I came home from a USA/UK tour for a week before getting ready to go to Japan and of course there were the usual slew of CD’s from people to listen to. I listen to every CD that comes my way and always reply to the sender. However I thought I should pass on my “findings” so you can all benefit.

I got a good ensemble Cd from Uptown Flutes and loved it. Good music and good playing from the excellent group. You can check it out at Uptown Flutes.

The recording that struck me most was by a young Swedish flutist called Magnus Irving Båge. This is a real knockout recording. the repertoire is modern and well chosen.

Sofia Gubaidulina
[1] SOUNDS OF THE FOREST (1978) 2'53
[2] ALLEGRO RUSTICO (1963/93) 5'14

Eduard Tubin
[3-5] SONATA FOR FLUTE AND PIAN O (1979) 18'13

Lars Edlund
[6-8] SONATA FOR FLUTE AND PIANO (1984) 12'48

André Jolivet
[9] CHANT DE LINOS (1944) 10'17

Magnus Irving Båge, flute
Bengt-Åke Lundin, piano

Albert Roussel
[10-11] DEUX POÈMES DE RONSARD (1924) 7'43

Magnus Irving Båge, flute,
Madeleine Barringer, soprano

Albert Roussel
[12-13] From JOEURS DE FLÛTE (1924) 6'37

Olivier Messiaen

Henri Dutilleux
[15-18] SONATINE (1943) 8'39

Magnus Irving Båge, flute
Carl-Axel Dominique, piano

This is not another flute record but a milestone in flute playing. Great tone colors, perfect intonation and wonderful musical playing.

Everyone should have this recording and I am particularly proud to own it.

Lastly, I had a great recording from Rhonda Larson. This is great flute playing and interesting original compositions for the flute. I thought this was also a very original recording and one that really defines crossover.

Check it all out.

Best wishes
Sir James Galway