Density 21.5 (CD) [CD]

Track Listing

1. 5.28  KBM (flute)  -  Andy Scott  World Premier
2. 3.43  Density 21.5 (flute)  -  Edgar Varese
3. 5.21  Song for Tony (baritone sax)  -  Michael Nyman  World Premier
4. 5.35  The 11th Commandment (flute)  -  Geoff Eales World Premier
   
   Partita in A minor for solo flute - J.S Bach
5. 3.55  Allemande
6. 2.27  Corrente
7. 3.52  Sarabande
8. 3.03  Bourree anglaise
   
   
9. 2.28  Eighteen (baritone sax) - Andy Scott  World Premier
10. 6.42  Canzona (flute)  -  Michael Nyman  World Premier
11. 6.47  Coltrane (alto flute)  -  David Heath World Premier
    
    Sonata for solo flute  -  David Cullen World Premier
12. 3.55  Moderato energico
13. 2.53  Moderato agitato con rubato
14. 2.22  Andante cantabile
    
    
15. 3.29  Yamamoto Perpetuo #5 (baritone sax)  - Michael Nyman  World Premier
16. 2.18  Yamamoto Perpetuo #9 (piccolo)  -  Michael Nyman  World Premier
17. 5.23  Song for Tony (flute)  -  Michael Nyman World Premier

Description

Unaccompanied works for flute (and other instruments) including 10 world premier recordings of compositions by contemporary British composers.

Press Review (FLUTE Magazine, December 2011)

FLUTE Magazine is the journal of the British Flute Society

"Long-standing member of the Michael Nyman Band and one of the UK's leading session musicians, Andy Findon is known for his versatility and flair. This disc of unaccompanied works demonstrates Findon's skills on flute, alto flute, piccolo and baritone saxophone, with repertoire ranging from JS Bach to world premiere recordings.

"The opening track, Andy Scott's KBM is an appealing jazz-style work which creates a laid back atmosphere, despite the technical demands to the player. Varese's Density 2 1.5 is the title track of the disc, and is heard here performed on a platinum flute, as the work was originally intended. The difference in tone between this and the previous work is striking, with the platinum flute possessing a brightness and power that is particularly impressive in the extreme high register. Findon's playing here is utterly dazzling, with a sense of total commitment to the music which makes this an emotionally intense performance.

"No solo flute CD is complete without Bach's A minor solo sonata, and Findon's rendition of the opening Allemande is refreshingly simple, avoiding too much rubato and giving the music just enough space to breathe. The Courante is light and sprightly, with well-articulated semiquavers and some enjoyable ornamentation. The Sarabande is haunting and the Bouree Anglaise is well measured and controlled, with more charming
ornamentation. Findon's personality comes out strongly in this performance and while the interpretation may not be to everyone's taste, it is refreshing to hear a version of this piece which has such a clear sense of a performer's musical persona.

"Coltrane is one of Dave Heath's best known flute works. This is the first time the piece has been recorded on alto flute, at the suggestion of the composer, and the result is extremely convincing. Findon has a natural sense
of the required style, and the sound of the alto flute brings out the Eastern influences. This is without doubt one of the best renditions of this piece that I have heard.

"David Cullen's Sonata is in three movements, and builds up harmony through the use of arpeggiated figures and repeated intervallic fragments. The first movement has the feel of a considered improvisation, with lyrical lines and a sense of organic development.The second movement features rapid articulation in alternation with more flowing melodies, while the final movement is contemplative, with some enjoyable twists of phrase and played with expression by Findon.

"Two other Nyman tracks complete the disc, taken from Yammamoto Perpetuo and convincingly performed
on baritone sax and piccolo. Overall this is an impressive disc which has much to offer, including a good
selection of new repertoire. Worth exploring."

- Carla Rees