Composer: Eldin Burton, Aaron Copland, Walter Piston, Beryl Rubinstein, Lowell Liebermann, Jennifer Higdon
Works: Sonatina (1947), Duo (1971), Sonata (1930), Sonata (1941), Sonata (1988), Autumn Reflection (1994)
Performers: Jeffrey Khaner, flute; Hugh Sung, piano
Recording: November 1997 at Curtis Hall, Philadelphia, USA
Label: Avie AV0004
The recent release of American Flute Music presents a compelling survey of 20th-century compositions for flute, showcasing a diverse array of American voices. Jeffrey Khaner, a principal flautist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, alongside pianist Hugh Sung, delivers performances that not only illuminate the individual characteristics of each work but also explore the broader cultural and stylistic currents that shaped these compositions. The disc opens with Eldin Burton’s Sonatina, a piece steeped in the lyrical traditions of French music, particularly echoing Ravel’s sensibilities. Its unpretentious charm and exploration of the flute’s registers set an inviting tone for the collection, effortlessly drawing listeners into its thoughtful first movement, melancholic Andantino, and lively finale.
As the disc progresses, it features Aaron Copland’s Duo, one of his later works, which resonates with nostalgia and offers a glimpse into the composer’s distinctive harmonic language, subtly recalling earlier masterpieces like Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man. The performance by Khaner captures the piece’s introspective qualities, allowing the flute’s voice to weave through Copland’s rich textures with an almost conversational ease. This nuanced interpretation is crucial, considering the work’s historical context as a product of a composer confronting the effects of Alzheimer’s, and Khaner’s artistry lends a poignant depth to the listening experience.
Walter Piston’s Sonata, the earliest piece in this collection, stands out for its complexity and structural integrity. The uneasy harmonies and the interplay between march and jazz rhythms in the first movement reflect the evolving American musical landscape of the 1930s. Khaner navigates these intricacies with impressive technical prowess, capturing the work’s inherent tension and sophistication. Following this, Beryl Rubinstein’s Sonata offers a charming contrast, characterized by its playful wit and echoes of French influence, particularly from Poulenc. Khaner’s interpretation highlights the delicate balance between humor and lyricism, making it an engaging centerpiece of the disc.
The latter half of the recording introduces works by Lowell Liebermann and Jennifer Higdon, both composers active in the contemporary scene. Liebermann’s Sonata, structured in two contrasting movements, reveals a profound depth and a dialogue between introspection and exuberance. The Lento’s expressiveness is beautifully juxtaposed with the frenetic energy of the Presto, where Khaner’s articulation shines, demonstrating his command over fast passages without sacrificing clarity. Higdon’s Autumn Reflection, on the other hand, stands as a testament to her impressionistic style, with its ethereal melodic contours that dance gracefully under Khaner’s skilled fingers.
Throughout the recording, the technical demands placed upon the flautist are considerable, yet Khaner meets them with an admirable blend of precision and musicality. His tone, while occasionally verging on the overly sweet due to its throbbing vibrato, ultimately serves to enhance the lyrical qualities inherent in the music. The supportive role of Hugh Sung is equally noteworthy; his piano playing complements Khaner’s flute, bringing out the subtleties of the harmonic interplay while maintaining a cohesive dialogue between the instruments.
The engineering quality of this recording is commendable, capturing the warmth and clarity necessary for such intricate music. Each note resonates with a life of its own, ensuring that the listener can appreciate the nuances of both flute and piano. This attention to detail in production allows for a fully immersive listening experience, further enhanced by the thoughtful programming of the pieces.
American Flute Music represents not just a delightful compilation but also a significant contribution to the recorded repertoire of American flute music. The thoughtful selections and exceptional performances offer both a historical perspective and a contemporary resonance. With its combination of technical brilliance and interpretive depth, the disc promises to engage both aficionados and newcomers to American classical music alike, solidifying Jeffrey Khaner’s reputation as a leading flautist of his generation.
