Composer: Adolphe Hasselmans (1845-1912), Benjamin Godard (1849-1895), Felix Godefroid (1818-1897), Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924), Franz Doppler (1821-1883), Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), John Thomas (1826-1913), Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), Georges Bizet (1838-1875), Elias Parish-Alvars (1808-1849), Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Works: Romance of Flute and Harp, La Source Op 44, Allegretto Op 116, Etude de Concert in E Flat minor, Berceuse op 16, Impromptu op 86, Mazurka, Spring Song – arr Anon, Bugeilior Gwenith Gwyn, Le Cygne – arr Anon, Serenade, Syrinx, Clair de lune
Performers: Philippa Davies, flute; Thelma Owen, harp
Recording: Haberdasher’s Aske’s School, Elstree, no date provided
Label: REGIS RRC 1085
The collaboration between flute and harp has a storied history within the chamber music repertoire, characterized by an ethereal quality and delicate interplay. This recording, featuring Philippa Davies and Thelma Owen, offers a compelling exploration of this unique timbral relationship, anchored by an array of 19th and early 20th-century compositions. The selection of works is judicious, showcasing pieces that traverse the transition from salon music to more concert-hall oriented repertoire, a journey that reflects both the evolution of the instruments and the composers’ artistic intentions during this period.
Davies’s interpretation of Godefroid’s Etude de Concert is particularly noteworthy for its blend of technical prowess and emotive depth. The opening phrases capture a distinctive melancholy, which is heightened by Owen’s expert support on the harp. Their partnership underscores the work’s inherent lyricism, which is often overshadowed by its technical demands. Owen’s performance provides a rich harmonic foundation, allowing the flute to soar above with clarity and expressiveness. This synergy is a testament to their long-standing collaboration, which began in the National Youth Orchestra and has evidently matured into a finely-tuned musical dialogue.
Fauré’s Berceuse and Impromptu reveal the duo’s capacity for nuance and subtlety. Davies’s dynamic control in the Berceuse is exemplary; her ability to shape phrases with delicate inflections creates an intimate atmosphere, while Owen’s modulation of timbre complements this with a warm, enveloping sound. The Impromptu shifts to a more robust character, where Owen’s assertive yet lyrical playing enhances the buoyancy of the piece. The recording quality captures this interplay effectively, with a balanced soundstage that allows both instruments to shine without overshadowing one another.
The program also includes well-known transcriptions, such as Mendelssohn’s Spring Song and Saint-Saëns’s Le Cygne, both of which are executed with sensitivity and grace. In particular, the arrangement of Le Cygne resonates beautifully with the duo’s interpretation, where the flowing lines of the flute are mirrored and supported by the harp’s rich textures. The contributions from lesser-known composers like Elias Parish-Alvars add an intriguing dimension to the recital, as his Serenade showcases not only the harp’s lyrical potential but also the virtuosic demands placed upon the performer. Parish-Alvars, dubbed “the Liszt of the harp,” emerges as a figure deserving of renewed attention, and the duo’s handling of his work reinforces its value in the repertoire.
Sound engineering is commendable, with a clarity that allows the intricate exchanges between flute and harp to be appreciated fully, a feature that enhances the intimate nature of the performances. The recording captures the ambient nuances of the performance space, providing a sense of immediacy that invites the listener into the musical dialogue.
This recording stands as a significant contribution to the discography of flute and harp music, not only for its repertoire but also for the artistry displayed by Davies and Owen. Their interpretations breathe new life into established works while illuminating the often-overlooked corners of the repertoire. The combination of thoughtful programming, excellent musicianship, and high-quality recording makes this disc an essential listen for aficionados of chamber music and those seeking the lyrical elegance that the flute and harp duo can uniquely offer.
