Disc reviews: ...The instrument of choice for an agreeable evening with an intimate circle of friends in Paris during this time was the transverse flute. It was known for its delicate sound and it had a ready audience. It was known as the “German flute,” and it gradually replaced its predecessor, the recorder. Boismortier was fascinated by the flute, and his legacy includes works for from two to even five flutes, and combined with other instruments. Surprisingly, nobody else prior to Boismortier had thought of combining the transverse flute with the harpsichord, though it was a natural. Both instruments were at the very height of Parisian fashion. Thus the Six Sonatas went over most successfully. Their three-movement structure carries French titles, but corresponds to the Italian system of Allegro/Grazioso/Allegro. Boismortier joked that he put in “melodies like butterflies,” but both instrumental parts have complexities and depth. —John Sunier | 
