Beaming with pleasure The lightweight in company with the flute, as heard and enjoyed by BASIL RAMSEY Claves    CD 50-2009

A collection of pieces for flute and piano can walk a path mostly loyal to embellishment fitting to the flute's character. That can be tempting to the average ear, yet a trifle overpowering and irritating in its often superficial character. On the other hand, music that has no inbuilt display deprives this instrument of acrobatics, which in the right balance redresses the range and encompasses the music's salient features.

Music on this record concentrates on French composers born about 1840-1860 who generally succeeded in writing for the flute with due regard for its best qualities. The pieces are picturesque and comfortable to the flute's personality. Some extra sparkle comes and goes, putting a restriction on sheer bravado. Nevertheless, the performers share qualities that keep music beaming with pleasure.