Liebermann - Flute Concertos
Bryan; RSNO / Daniel
Linn CKD367

Release date November 2010

Having just won the prestigious Label of the Year accolade from Gramophone, Linn Records’ excellent run of releases shows no sign of slowing up. Continuing to tap into the rich seam of Scottish-based talent, their latest disc features young British flautist Katherine Bryan (principal flute with the RSNO), whose formidable skills are showcased by her debut recording of 20th-century works for flute. The recital begins with a little-known flute concerto by the American composer Lowell Liebermann, composed in 1992 at the request of James Galway. It’s a traditional three-movement work that is largely tonal yet technically extremely challenging for the soloist. Bryan’s flawless technique is demonstrated to the full, and she is solidly supported by orchestra and conductor. Lennox Berkeley’s sympathetic orchestral arrangement of Poulenc’s Flute Sonata is next on the bill. Berkeley’s version of this popular piece dates from 1976 and works very well. Bryan clearly knows the work back-to-front and maximises the extremes of dynamic and emotion, no more so than during the gorgeous slow movement, Cantilena: Assez lent, where her full yet perfectly centred tone captures the sense of line exquisitely. Nielsen’s Flute Concerto completes the programme. Written near the end of Nielsen’s life, the two-movement work demands great virtuosity from the soloist, a task that Bryan deals with stylishly. It will be most interesting to see what is around the corner for both this remarkable musician and such an enterprising label.

Reviewed by Dawn Gibson