BACH SONATAS for FLUTE AND PIANOFORTE
Played by JOSEPH SLATER (Fluto) and GORDON BRYAN (Pianoforte)
First Sonatn, in B Minor
THIS B Minor work has been called 'the beat
Sonata for the Flute that ever existed.'
It is one of three Sonatas, each consisting of three Movements, that reveal how much of variety in unity may be attained when the two instruments, Flute and keyboard, work together upon a set of themes, each after its own characteristic style.
The First Movement, full of vigour, has two chief tunes, which.are heard three times, with, after the second appearance, an episode made out of both. The first tune is played at once by the Flute, and the second, flowing on from this after a score of bars, moves in brisker fashion, with more notes to the beat. Pianoforte and Flute later on embellish the outlines, and imitate each other in the deftest way.
The Second Movement is a very short, slow piece, in which are displayed the Flute's characteristic beauties.
The Last Movement has a dual nature. It starts as a very brisk fugal piece in three 'voices,' and ends as a Cigue, of which the fugal theme is the' foundation.