MusicNew Music Reviews

Franz & Karl DOPPLER
Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra
Fantaisie pastoral hongroise * Duettino sur des motifs américains
Patrick Gallois & Kazunori Seo – Flutes
Sinfonia Finlandia Jyväskylä
NAXOS 8.570378

Brothers Franz and Karl Doppler were both accomplished flautists who were better known as salon musicians who reflected the popular music of the time. Except for the Concerto for two flutes in D minor, the rest of the repertoire was conceived with piano and then transcribed and orchestrated for chamber orchestra by Risto Keinänen, Jani Killönen and Jukka-Pekka Lehto. Both brothers were successful composers with Karl concentrating more on music for the theatre while Franz composed works intended to demonstrate his virtuosity as a flautist.

Apart from the Concerto for two flutes the rest of the items would have been light and entertaining repertoire for a soiree. However this should not detract from the inspirational performances by both flautists – their ensemble playing is really spectacular and although the orchestral accompaniment is not virtuosic the Sinfonia Finlandia Jyväskylä are a sensitive and disciplined force.

The Rigoletto Fantaisie trots out the main themes from the opera in an eccentric and amusing way, but it is most enjoyable and the flautists are world class. The wistful and atmospheric Hungarian Pastoral Fantasy shows just how musical, creative and expressive Patrick Gallois can be as a soloist. The most accessible and entertaining track is Duettino sur des motifs Américains where you hear The Star Spangled Banner and Yankie Doodle in a most unexpected setting. The Concerto shows the more serious side of Franz Doppler’s composition much in the style of Weber and Mendelssohn. Works for two flutes can really work on the ear at times, but this is not the case with this release. Great entertainment with little profundity but if you love the flute you will be enthralled.