Period-instrument recordings of Mozart’s delightful Concerto for flute and harp are surprisingly infrequent, so it is good to see this one arrive, especially as it offers the possibility of an original take by an ensemble not hitherto associated with the Classical period. Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien’s discography has ranged from medieval to folk to Baroque (led principally by the interests of director-flautist François Lazarevitch), and this orchestra of strings, woodwind and horns is the largest assembly they have mustered so far. They make a solid sound, too, launching into their tuttis with a strong bass end supporting boldly committed, grainy string non-vibrato. Perhaps a slightly less distanced balance and a little more say for the winds would have given them more cutting edge, but overall there is a forthright honesty and energy to their participation – the sforzandos in the first movement’s opening unisons really mean business, and the warm melodic lines of the Andantino are firmly but gracefully moulded – that is invigorating.

The soloists are closer-miked than the orchestra, which makes Sandrine Chatron’s deft, feathery passagework cleanly audible (not always the case in this piece), while Lazarevitch’s flute beguiles the ear, soaring and diving like a skilfully flown kite. There is a fluid confidence to his playing, an ease with which his focused but singing tone desports through trills and turns, every one slotting neatly into place, that gives all kinds of pleasure. The same skills are even more in evidence, of course, in the two flute concertos, both of which are perfectly paced – not too fast in the Tempo di menuetto finale of K313, not too slow in the Adagio ma non troppo of K314 – and emerge with refreshing, chipper brightness and poise. The cadenzas are considered and convincing, based by Lazarevitch on the procedures of Mozart’s own piano cadenzas, with composer Pierre Chépélov brought in to help in the cadenzas of the Flute and Harp Concerto. I’m not quite sure why the Andante for flute and orchestra, K315, could not have been included, but this is a sunny and satisfying release all the same.