As the title suggests, this is a nicely varied collection of flute lollipops inspired by opera, dazzlingly performed by EMI’s star flautist. Musically, the value of the pieces may be limited but they provide a wonderful vehicle for Pahud’s artistry. Most of the pieces have been orchestrated by Yoel Gamzou, though the Rotterdam Philharmonic sounds so dim behind Pahud, orchestration becomes a minor matter.

A fair proportion of the items simply add elaborate decorations for the flute over well known melodies. Pahud plays them with the sort of touches of individuality that mark out the great artist, transforming what could easily seem banal.

The Gluck items from Orphée are left relatively untouched, and Lensky’s aria from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin is treated first to a straight performance in the chalumeau register of the flute, followed by a pianissimo reprise with more elaboration. To round off the selection Pahud plays two items from Bizet’s Carmen, first a relatively straight account of the Act 3 Entr’acte leading to a dazzling fantasy on Carmen themes, a fitting conclusion. Pahud is joined in two items, those from Rigoletto and Orphée, by his colleague Juliette Hurel, an excellent match. Though the orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin is backwardly balanced, the flute soloists are well caught.