Rohan De Silva & Lisa Friend - Essence (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

The flute takes a very special place in French music, particularly so in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As a result (and in addition to a great deal of original repertoire for the instrument) there is a significant body of work transcribed for flute and piano, which Lisa Friend and Rohan De Silva explore in this exquisite programme.

Fauré’s first Violin Sonata, composed in 1875 – 76 works particularly well in transcription, with its sweeping melodies and lack of double-stopping. The rapid scale passages in the third movement are especially effective.

Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, based on a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, is regarded by many (including Boulez) as the birthplace of modern music, Ravel choosing it to be played at his funeral. The original orchestral version opens with one of the best-known flute solos in the repertoire, making this transcription particularly appropriate.

Tracklist:
01. Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, L. 86 (Arr. K. Lenski for Flute & Piano)
02. 3 Songs, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. A. Marion for Flute & Piano)
03. Fantaisie, Op. 79 (Version for Flute & Piano)
04. Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Arr. P. Kolman for Flute & Piano)
05. Préludes, Book 1: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin (Arr. A. Hartmann for Flute & Piano)
06. Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13 (Arr. R. Stallman & R. Casadesus for Flute & Piano): I. Allegro molto
07. Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13 (Arr. R. Stallman & R. Casadesus for Flute & Piano): II. Andante
08. Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13 (Arr. R. Stallman & R. Casadesus for Flute & Piano): III. Allegro vivo
09. Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13 (Arr. R. Stallman & R. Casadesus for Flute & Piano): IV. Allegro quasi presto

Personnel:
Rohan De Silva, piano
Lisa Friend, flute