"Two is better than one, at least it is in the case of the Doppler brothers, flutists and composers who were the rage during the nineteenth century. And where else but on recordings could one hear such an enlightening and virtuosic recital containing among the best of the Dopplers' creations? The Polish label, Acte Préalable has made it possible by combining the remarkable talents of the Israel-born Esti Rofé (who could win any beauty contest, incidentally!), and Polish-born Krzystof Kaczka, all accompanied by Polish-born Anna Kijanowska, the latter of whom has spent considerable time in the USA. These are all young and wondrously talented musicians. If you ever think that the world is losing the next generation of highly gifted artists, I can tell you they are out there. On this relatively unknown CD label, one that specializes in promoting Polish music and musicians, we have full evidence that classical musicians are not a dying breed. Albert Franz Doppler [AFD], the better known of the two brothers, was born in 1821 and died in 1883. His brother Karl was born in 1825 and died in 1900. The brothers Doppler came from a musical family of instrumentalists and composers. AFD made his debut at age 13 and formed a flute duo with his brother a bit later. As a pair, they toured Europe and spent considerable time in Germany and Hungary. The brothers also assisted in forming the Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra in 1853. AFD was instrumental in teaching Franz Liszt to orchestrate and in return, Liszt gave great praise to AF for his help in orchestrating some of the Hungarian Rhapsodies. Some even believe AFD was responsible for creating the orchestrations himself! It's not that music by the Dopplers is not well known. It's not well known as it should be excepting a few pieces that are played as encores on occasion. Those encores usually bring the house down. But if you're looking for something more in-depth by these composers, you'll find it on this disc. The flute is capable of extraordinary virtuosity in original works as well as in transcriptions that have been created. Perhaps the best known work on this disc is the Rigoletto Fantasie, an exceptional transcription melding Verdi's melodies into almost ten minutes of great music in its own right, whether borrowed or not. The two flutists on this disc are joined in three of the five selections and each has an opportunity to present their own art in one piece each. As a "duo," however, their sounds meld together as though they were one and both have a command of the instrument, technically and tonally, that sets them in the highest class of performing musicians. These are natural-sounding recordings, with a fine balance between the instruments and the piano. If you love romantic music for the flute, this one should be on your list, not only for the music, but the outstanding musicianship displayed thereon. Five stars from here!" -duoArtus TRACKS: 1. Franz Doppler - Andante and Rondo for 2 flutes and piano op. 25 2. Franz Doppler - Fantaisie pastorale hongroise op. 26 3. Franz Doppler - Airs Valaques op. 10 4. Franz and Karl Doppler - Rigoletto-Fantaisie op. 38 5. Franz and Karl Doppler - Hungarian-Phantasy for 2 flutes and piano op. 35 Flute: Rofé Esti Flute: Kaczka Krzysztof Piano: Kijanowska Anna Booklet: Krzysztof Kaczka (Polish, English, French, German) Total Time: 54'21" Copyright: (R) 2006, (C)2007 |
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