Two fantastic reviews of Joshua Smith’s J.S. Bach Flute Sonata albums have just been published that we had to share:
The Flutist Quarterly (Winter 2011):
By Tess Miller
J.S. Bach Flute Sonatas
Joshua Smith, Flute
Jory Vinkour, Harpsichord
“…Joshua Smith presents his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach’s B Minor, G Minor, E-flat Major, and A Major sonatas as well as the Partita in A Minor. Even if the listener does not read the liner notes (which I recommend doing), it will be apparent instantly on hearing that many years of research and experience went into the making of this CD…
“In the second movement of the G Minor sonata, for example, the long notes in the main theme are shaped vocally, with glorious direction, blossoming as the note is held. Vibrato, when present, is used in the manner of an ornament, reminiscent of Baroque singing.
“It is sonically obvious that these performances are the result of years of research and experimentation by Smith and harpsichordist Jory Vinikour independently and together. Happily, this scholarship has led both musicians to perform not only with impeccable precision (especially on the intricate syncopated rhythms), but also cheerfully and with a free spirit. I highly recommend this CD for anyone looking for a freshly historic performance of these flute sonatas.”
From L’Actualité, March 15z
J.S. Bach Flute Sonatas with Continuo
Joshua Smith, Flute
Jory Vinikour, Harpsichord
Ann Marie Morgan, baroque cello
Allison Guest Edberg, baroque violin
“Il est toujours rassurant de voir nos désaffections entérinées par un génie: ici, j’ai pour complice Mozart, qui n’aimait pas la flûte, lui non plus. Alors, quelle surprise et quelle joie de découvrir un artiste qui raconte et éblouit dans des œuvres qui, lorsqu’elles sont jouées sans génie, ressemblent à une grille de mots croisés abandonnée. L’Améericain Joshua Smith est un poéte, et je suggére d’écouter ces sonates au petit-déjeuner: la grisaille et la poudrerie sont balayées par la chaleur et la lumiére de Bach servies par ces superbes musiciens.”
“It is always reassuring to see our dislikes shared by a genius – in this case, my partner is Mozart, who was himself not fond of the flute. Thus, what a surprise, what a joy to discover an artist who describes and who dazzles in works which, when played without genius, resemble the grid of a crossword puzzle. The American Joshua Smith is a poet, and I would suggest listening to these sonatas at the breakfast table : the fog and sleepiness are swept away by the warmth and the light of Bach served by these superb musicians.” (Translation by Jory Vinikour)