Music by TAFFANEL (Mignon and Freischutz fantasies), BRICCIALDI (Carnival of Venice), CHOPIN (Cenerentola Variations), BAZZINI (Rondes des Lutins), BORNE (Carmen Fantaisie Brillantes)

BIS have always had a reputation for recordings of flute music so a blindfold test might well have come up with BIS's name early on in the game. This disc is a showcase for the talents of Sharon Bezaly in some (to me) unfamiliar repertoire. Claude Paul Taffanel has two pieces - both operatic fantasies. There is, as expected, little of musical substance. Instead we are treated to mountains of whipped cream and frippery and lashings of bel canto. This is all very engaging and charming material; completely undemanding and none the worse for that. Great background music. No matter how hard-hearted you maybe or disinclined to this music you are unlikely to resist Borne's Carmen fantasy - a tour-de-flute. Ms Bezaly is to be congratulated. Music to win and hold a smile.

Reviewer

Rob Barnett