Bach: Sonata for Flute, Vol. 1; Partita in Am

On this CD:

1. Sonata for flute & continuo in E minor, BWV 1034
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Petri Alanko, Anssi Mattila, Jukka Rautasalo

2. Sonata for flute & keyboard in E flat major, BWV 1031
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Petri Alanko, Anssi Mattila

3. Partita for solo flute in A minor, BWV 1013
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Petri Alanko

4. Sonata for flute & keyboard in A major, BWV 1032
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Petri Alanko, Anssi Mattila

Customer Reviews:

Fulfilling Overview of the Baroque Era in Music and Words.......2005-05-09

Yet another great bargain-priced package from Naxos effectively provides an overview of the rich Baroque period with two discs containing more than 2 ½ hours of music and a comprehensive, 140-page primer booklet. Compiled by music historian Clive Unger-Hamilton, the collection is well-chosen to represent the many different facets of the era without recycling the more obvious candidates like Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". The quality of the playing and singing is top-notch throughout, and the program contains quite a smorgasbord of pieces from dramatic opera arias to harpsichord pieces (sometimes played on authentic instruments, other times on modern grands) to full-blown choruses. Standout tracks include Allegri's "Miserere mei" with an ethereal boy treble soloist; two arias sung by soprano Ingrid Kertesi, in particular, Almirena's lament, "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's "Rinaldo"; and a lovely "When I am laid in earth" from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" performed by soprano Kym Amps. The choral pieces can be astounding from Bach's "St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)" performed by the large Hungarian Festival Chorus and full symphony orchestra to the eight voices that wrap themselves around "For unto us a child is born" from Handel's "Messiah".

The booklet itself provides great value as you listen to the selections. There is a well written 85-page essay by Unger-Hamilton, who manages to encapsulate an enormous amount of information about this period which leaves a novice like me with a more solid basis of understanding the music of the Baroque era. In fact, what is quite valuable is that Unger-Hamilton provides a specific historical reference for each piece on the recording in his essay. There is also a very helpful glossary and an intriguing timeline which covers musical milestones relative to similar milestones in history, arts and architecture and literature. Moreover, there is an alphabetical list of the key Baroque composers and an accompanying map of Europe with important music centers and the composers associated with these cities. The thoughtful presentation of this package really makes the $8.98 price tag one of the great bargains here.

An Excellent Introduction to the Music of the Baroque Era.......2005-04-04

This is one of a series of the 'Discover ...' 2 CD sets -- at super-budget price -- from Naxos that makes use of complete movements of music from the era in question. It is accompanied by an excellent booklet - a thick one! - with an explanatory essay that gives background on the music as well as blow-by-blow descriptions of the music being presented. All the selections (from such composers as Monteverdi, Handel, Bach, Scarlatti, Schütz, Purcell, Corelli, Pachelbel, Charpentier, et al.) are from Naxos's extensive library of recorded music and as far as I can tell all the performances are top-notch.

In addition there is a Timeline of the Baroque Era that includes material about the music, history, art, architecture and literature of the times. There is a map of Europe that shows where various composers lived and worked. There is a list of composers (more than just those whose music provides the audio examples) with their dates and locations. There is a glossary of common musical terms. There is also an extensive list of music suggested for further listening. I can easily imagine this set being the springboard for a newcomer to baroque music to begin a lifetime of enjoyment of these and similar works.

The presentation is thoughtfully done and the whole thing is in a slipcase that will preserve the CDs as well as the booklet for years to come.

Scott Morrison

Bach: Sonata for Flute, Vol. 1; Partita in Am

Average customer rating:

Bach: Sonata for Flute, Vol. 1; Partita in Am

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Flute Sonatas, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000014F5
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

Son in e, BWV 1034: Adagio Ma Non Tanto - Petri Alanko/Anssi Mattila/Jukka Rautasalo
Son in e, BWV 1034: Allegro - Petri Alanko/Anssi Mattila/Jukka Rautasalo
Son in e, BWV 1034: Andante - Petri Alanko/Anssi Mattila/Jukka Rautasalo
Son in e, BWV 1034: Allegro - Petri Alanko/Anssi Mattila/Jukka Rautasalo
Son in E flat, BWV 1031: Allegro Moderato
Son in E flat, BWV 1031: Siciliana
Son in E flat, BWV 1031: Allegro
Partitia in a, BWV 1013: Allemande
Partitia in a, BWV 1013: Corrente
Partitia in a, BWV 1013: Sarabande
Partitia in a, BWV 1013: Bourree Anglaise
Son in A, BWV 1032: Vivace
Son in A, BWV 1032: Largo E Dolce
Son in A, BWV 1032: Allegro