Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Sechs Duette für zwei Flöten / Barthold Kuijken, Marc Hantai

Similar works have been written by Telemann, Quantz, and many other composers, but this is arguably the best of them all. The instrumentation of two flutes is the simplest means of realizing counterpoint, and is a true test of a composer’s ability. The abundant use of fugues and canons in each piece keeps the listener interested, and is very attractive to the performer. The majority of the pieces are in keys that are not favorable for the flute (F major, E-flat major, and F minor), also making this a collection that will make any flutist weep. Here we hear the best performance by the master-disciple duo of Kuijken and Hantai. It’s incredible they make the sonatas with flat key signatures sound so powerfully is nothing short of amazing. #baroque #bach #片山俊幸