Emmanuel Pahud, Aram Khachaturian, David Zinman, Tonhalle Orchester Zurich - Khachaturian & Ibert: Flute Concertos; Emmanuel Pahud

A meaningful transcription of the Khachaturian

Emanuel Pahud's "flute" concerto by Khachaturian is a transcription of that composer's Violin Concerto, which was written in 1940 for David Oistrakh. It succeeds memorably, in part, because the composer always wrote such wonderful parts for the flute, an instrument that often has the most important ostinato theme in his music.

Pahud is ably assisted by David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich, which play the music full throttle with no subtlety, exactly the way the composer always conducted his music. Pahud is a highly senstive flautist and uses an expressive device in the quieter middle movement of the Khachaturian that may not be altogether appropriate. Still, it's a remarkable reading from 2003 captured in high definition DDD sound.

The Ibert concerto is an animal of a different species, with a less imposing solo part, less important orchestral support, and less memorable thematic development. Pahud manages it well, and does well on the Ibert miniature that separates to concerti. But this music is not what made this CD a best seller. October 17, 2005

Astounding!

Emmanuel Pahud is not a name that everyone knows...yet. The talent he exhibits in his playing cannot be rivaled by many. In this recording, his performance of the Khachaturian is played so fluidly that some violinists would probably wonder how he mangaged it! The Ibert concerto is simply inspiring. The ease with which he executes the technical passages is amazing; expression abounds during the lyrical passages... not to mention the ending of the third movement. A must for flute players of any age! February 25, 2005

Splendid Playing from Emmanuel Pahud and Tonhalle Orchestra

Emmanuel Pahud has combined a distinguished career as a flute soloist while still serving as the Berlin Philharmonic's principal flutist (A distinguished predecessor was none other than Sir James Galway, who was with the orchestra for five years in the early 1970's.). Here he offers both technical brilliance and lovely melodic playing in his performances of both concerti and a shorter piece for flute and orchestra which Ibert also composed. Pahud plays his own unique cadenza in the Khatchaturian concerto in a transcription for flute composed by another legendary flutist, Jean-Pierre Rampal, who urged Aram Khatchaturian to compose for him a flute concerto. Khatchaturian refused, but gave Rampal permision to transcribe the solo violin part in his violin concerto for solo flute instead. The result is a sizzling score replete with technical fireworks which Pahud plays with much warmth. His performances of Ibert's flute concerto and brief piece for flute and orchestra are just as fine. In the Tonhalle Orchestra and its music director, David Zinman, Pahud is lucky to find a group of excellent musicians who offer him fine support via their playing. Recorded at the Tonhalle's concert hall, the sound quality is fantastic, and up to EMI's high standards. December 31, 2004

Wonderful!

This cd is wonderful! There are not many recordings of the Ibert and Khachaturian concertos on the market, and out of those few there aren't very many good ones. Pahud's interpretations are impecable and his technique is flawless in this well put together cd. If you are into the likes of Galway, Rampal, Robison, etc. then this cd is a must to add to your collection. I hope you will enjoy it as much I do! April 15, 2004

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