It’s always very interesting to see what Emmanuel Pahud chooses for the repertoire on his solo recordings. Considered one of the best, if not the best, flautists in the world, he has nothing to prove. He has demonstrated his superiority of technique and musicianship over and over again with his extensive touring schedule and recording catalogue. He can play whichever repertoire is closest to his heart at that moment and in this, his most recent recording, he focuses on music of the French Revolution (hence the name). Although the music is not revolutionary in its own right, Pahud shapes each note and phrase with his usual care and grace. My favourite concerto was hands down the Gluck Concerto in G Major with the distinctive brilliance of Gluck’s melodic repetitive ideas that never seem to get boring, particularly when handled by the likes of Pahud and the Kammerorchester Basel, his partner in the recording studio. They also acquit themselves with aplomb, with the lengthy introductions to each concerto giving you such a sense of completeness it’s almost disappointing when the flute enters. Until you actually hear Pahud play and then all is right with the world again.

Kate Rockstrom