A delightful recording in every way. These three works are brimful of Mozartian melody of the most beguiling kind. Julie Andrews, the bassoonist, has a spring in her step from the very opening of her solo concerto – after Nicholas Cleobury has set the pace in his spirited and stylishly turned opening ritornello. Her articulation is most winning: there is geniality here without clowning. The melody of the Andante then brings a touchingly doleful mood, while the Minuet finale is so deftly decorated that the listener cannot help being captivated.
The Flute and Harp Concerto (which actually opens the programme) also swings off elegantly; and what fragility of texture the soloists, Kate Hill and Lucy Wakeford, create between them! The flute playing is quite exquisite in the slow movement, and the harp’s delicate filigree brings a sense of caressing to the background embroidery. The finale dances off with great charm. The support provided by the Britten Sinfonia throughout has just the right degree of robustness to set off the airy tracery of the two soloists.
The Sinfonia concertante is of course a team work and the solo response is first class. In the slow movement the bassoonist winningly takes the lead: the finale brings a delectably light-hearted gait; and how these players enjoy their divisions, with each taking the spotlight in turn, and then chortling in concert most infectiously. The recording is vividly real, the kind that leaps out of the speakers (without any artificiality of balance) and immediately communicates with the listener. Highly recommended.'