MERCADANTE, S.: Flute Concertos, Vol. 2 - Nos. 5 and 6 / 20 Capricci (P. Gallois, Kazunori Seo, Czech Chamber Philharmonic, Pardubice)

Although operas make up the most substantial part of Mercadante’s catalogue, his technically challenging flute concertos are notable examples of 19th-century Italian instrumental music, effectively closing the Classical period for this instrument. Built on the agile writing and bel canto style that characterized the Neapolitan school, the Concerto in D major is unique in Mercadante’s catalogue in being for two flutes. The great mutual respect between Mercadante and Rossini is brought vividly to life in the theme used for the masterly ‘Tema con variazione.’ The ‘Capricci’ can be compared with those for violin by Paganini, and the joyous ‘Sixth Concerto’ makes varied and eloquent use of the orchestra. Patrick Gallois belongs to the generation of French musicians leading highly successful international careers as both soloist and conductor. From the age of 17 he studied the flute with Jean-Pierre Rampal at the Paris Conservatoire and at the age of 21 was appointed principal flute in the Orchestre national de France. He held this post until he began pursuing his solo career in 1984.