British flutist
Philippa Davies has established a fine international reputation as a chamber recitalist and concerto soloist, but her recording career seems to be a bit spotty for a world-class performer; however, with this 2006 CD of
J.S. Bach's flute sonatas, it appears she has sidestepped the major labels and taken matters into her own hands. A project under
Davies' initiative and direction, though helpfully marketed by Avie Records, this independently produced recording demonstrates what even first-rate artists must do to maintain control over their work and get it properly released. This is a delightful presentation of the sonatas, and it is complete except for bypassing the somewhat questionable Sonata in C major, BWV 1033, which may not have been composed by
Bach.
Davies and her experienced basso continuo, harpsichordist
Maggie Cole and cellist
Alison McGillivray, deliver these five sonatas with sparkling effervescence in the fast movements, lyrical sensitivity in the slow movements, and with great clarity of line throughout, in a historically informed style that is neither dry nor too free with ornamentation.
Davies employs a modern crocuswood flute, while
Cole plays a 1749 harpsichord, and
McGillivray's cello dates to 1714, so the timbres are close to what one expects in a period performance. Listeners may find the sound to be quite warm and intimate, thanks to close-up recording that is reasonably resonant without loss of focus or presence. So even though its availability may be limited, this is an exceptional recording worth seeking out.