CD1
1. PACHELBEL CANON

The canon is one of the simplest musical forms - we are all familiar with it through such folksongs as 'London's burning' and 'Frere Jacques'. In the hands of the German Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel, the constantly repearted bass-line supports a chord sequence that becomes a canvas upon which he weaves intricate strands of fine melody.


2. PERGOLESI FLUTE CONCERTO IN G: II ADAGIO

Like many artistic figures through history, Pergolesi only really achieved recognition after his tragically early death. In the Adagio of this Flute Concerto, the composer creates a wonderful aural effect by complaying the solo flute, often playing low in its register, with the upper strings alone.


3. VIVALDI FLUTE CONCERTO IN F: II LARGO E CANTABILE

Like the two named concertos from the set published in 1728 as Vivaldi's Op 10, the concerto in F was probably originally written for recorder. Vivaldi's publisher, howerver, recognized the rising popularity of the flute, and published them in arrangements for the new instrument. Whatever its background may be, this work is one of the glories of the flautist's repertoire.


4. VIVALDI 'WINTER' FROM THE FOUR SEASONS: II LARGO

Whilst writing The Four Seasons, Vivaldi had to hand a set of four sonnets which graphically describe the many joys of the changing seasons. In the slow movement from 'Winter',we hear the composer's elegant musical depiction of winter rain and icy paths.


5. GALUPPI FLUTE CONCERTO IN D: II ADAGIO

Galuppi's name is not as familiar to music-lovers as it perhaps should be, on the evidence of this fine Adagio. He was hailed in his day for the many light-hearted operas that he wrote(well over 100, in fact), and that same talent for memorable melody and effective accompaniment is on display here.


6. VIVALDI 'SPRING' FROM THE FOUR SEASONS: II LARGO

In the central movement from 'Spring', Vivaldi depicts a sleeping goat-herd, with the breeze fluttering in the trees, who slumbers on despite the gentle yet insistent barking of his dog (played by the violas). With such wonderfully pictorial music, it is little surprised that Vivaldi's Four Seasons frequently reign supreme in the classical charts around the world.


7. PIACENTINO FLUTE CONCERTO IN G: II ANDANTE

Little is know of the Italian composer Piacentino: very little music survives, and his life is shrounded in mystery. Nevertheless, we are granted a privileged view of his musical talents through this Flute Concerto. The restful Andante forms a point of repose between two more energetic Allegros.


8. BACH FLUTE CONCERTO IN C. BWV 1032: II LARGO E DOLCE

Along with Handel and Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach is a pinnacle of Baroque music. His wonderful flowing melodies, such as we hear in this delicate movement, are a constant source of delight for music-lovers. This concerto has been recreated into what was probably its original form from a work which survives for flute and harpsichord.