The German-born composer Friedrich Kuhlau settled in Copenhagen, where he made a name for himself in spite of continuing financial problems. Although not a flautist himself, he is known in particular for his considerable contribution to flute repertoire, of which the present trios for three flutes are an example. A close contemporary of Weber, Kuhlau enjoyed a reputation as a pianist and composer, writing music that is characteristic of its time, with a fine grasp of flute idiom.
"Do try the disc, you will hear some charming music and some superb flute playing." --MusicWeb International, October 2007
"Do try the disc, you will hear some charming music and some superb flute playing." --MusicWeb International, October 2007
"On this disc the European Flute Trio play five of Kuhlau's flute trios. The Grand Trio in B minor, op. 90 was published in 1828 and is the most virtuosic of all the pieces on the disc. The three trios op. 13, were published in 1815, and the Trio in E minor, op. 86 no. 1 was published in 1827.
Kuhlau wrote quite a bit of salon music and the salon is never very far away in these piece, no matter how classically and seriously they are constructed. The Grand Trio has a strong whiff of the virtuoso salon showpiece which was popular in the 19th century. The remaining trios are charming works, quite substantial in length. They were probably written for talented amateurs to play rather than as concert works.
The European Flute Trio (Antonio De Matola, Maxence Larrieu and Carlo de Matola) play these pieces as if to the manner born. They have no trouble at all with the virtuoso elements required and produce cascades of beautiful, liquid sounds. The three players balance nicely and create a good feeling of ensemble whilst remaining three distinct voices. Both De Matolas were pupils of Maxence Larrieu, which probably helps with the group's cohesion."
"Frankly, I was rather surprised at how much I enjoyed this disc. A whole CD of music for three unaccompanied flutes could be a little daunting. But Kuhlau's music has charm, lightness and strength of construction and this is brought out in these performances. Do try the disc, you will hear some charming music and some superb flute playing." --MusicWeb International, October 2007
Kuhlau wrote quite a bit of salon music and the salon is never very far away in these piece, no matter how classically and seriously they are constructed. The Grand Trio has a strong whiff of the virtuoso salon showpiece which was popular in the 19th century. The remaining trios are charming works, quite substantial in length. They were probably written for talented amateurs to play rather than as concert works.
The European Flute Trio (Antonio De Matola, Maxence Larrieu and Carlo de Matola) play these pieces as if to the manner born. They have no trouble at all with the virtuoso elements required and produce cascades of beautiful, liquid sounds. The three players balance nicely and create a good feeling of ensemble whilst remaining three distinct voices. Both De Matolas were pupils of Maxence Larrieu, which probably helps with the group's cohesion."
"Frankly, I was rather surprised at how much I enjoyed this disc. A whole CD of music for three unaccompanied flutes could be a little daunting. But Kuhlau's music has charm, lightness and strength of construction and this is brought out in these performances. Do try the disc, you will hear some charming music and some superb flute playing." --MusicWeb International, October 2007
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Kuhlau Friedrich
