Trudy Kane's latest CD!

In the French Style

Trudy Kane, flute, and George Darden, piano, perform three beautiful works: Franck Sonata in A Major, Gieseking Sonatine, and Faure Sonata in A Major. Kane's adaptation of the Faure Sonata in
A Major is available from Little Piper in sheet music form for flute and piano.

In the French Style

Trudy Kane, flute
George Darden, piano

FAURE - Sonata
GIESEKING - Sonatine
FRANCK - Sonata

Connoisseur Society 4251
71 minutes

Available for $16.99
(plus applicable tax and shipping),
from Little Piper
www.little-piper.com
and
Carolyn Nussbaum Music www.Flute4u.com


To listen to high quality MP3 samples (ca. 4 minutes each)
of the CD click of the Linked tracks listed bellow.
 

Tracks

 
Gabriel Faure
Sonata in A major, Op.13

1. Allegro molto
2. Andante
3. Allegro vivo
4. Allegro quasi presto

Walter Gieseking
Sonatine

5. Moderato
6. Allegretto
7. Vivace

Cesar Franck
Sonata in A major

8. Allegretto ben moderato
9. Allegro
10. Ben moderato
11. Allegretto poco mosso


Reviews:

American Record Guide - November/December 2003

In the French Style
FAURE: Sonata; GIESEKING: Sonatine; FRANCK: Sonata
Trudy
Kane, flute; George Darden, piano
Connoisseur Society 4251—71 minutes

Trudy Kane, principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, sets transcriptions of two famous works for violin and piano next to Walter Gieseking’s (1895-1956) Sonatine. This three-movement piece was written for flutist Gustav Scheck in 1937, and is a nice break from the Poulenc sonata. The first movement matches the serious nature of the Franck and the Fauré and has a hint of Hindemith. II and III are more flamboyant.

Kane plays her own published transcription of the Fauré sonata. The Fauré and the Franck are difficult pieces, especially on the flute—an instrument that does not have the sustaining and projecting power of the violin. Still, she and George Darden, who is an assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, does an admirable job of balancing these pieces.

Darden is sensitive to the dynamic capabilities of the flute. Kane uses variety in articulation and phrasing, instead of sheer power, to make these pieces energetic. For example, many flutists charge through the second movement of the Franck sonata, playing as loud as possible. Kane gives just as much energy, but retains a nicer character that fits into the overall shape of the piece. The duo makes these pieces work in this fine recital.

JOHNSON
American Record Guide
November/December 2003

The Flute Network

In The French Style

Trudy Kane, principal flutist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City, has made a wonderful contribution to the flute world with this recording of three impressive, though seldom heard, works drawn from the late romantic period.

Kane takes the Gabriel Faure Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, Op. 13 and makes it sound right at home in the hands of a flutist. Her rich and vibrant tone brings out the coloristic potential of the changing harmonies and mood in this big, four movement work. From the dark seriousness of the opening movements to the light, quick and buoyant style that follows, Kane’s musicality reveals the composer’s intention with clear phrasing, and subtle shade and nuance.

The Walter Gieseking Sonatine for Flute and Piano from 1937 (sadly neglected in the repertoire for many years, but happily making a comeback) should now find more advocates as a result of this fine and sensitive recording. Although of German heritage, Gieseking was raised in France and this piece has very apparent Gallic influences. It fits nicely in this trio of pieces, “in the French style”, with a third movement that rivals the Poulenc Sonata in brilliance, humor, and lightness.

The Cesar Franck Violin Sonata in A Major is exceedingly difficult, both musically and technically, yet has long been appropriated by flutists who sought large form masterworks from the 19th century which might allow them to display their virtuosity and depth of understanding. In the hands of ambitious students and those still stretching to grasp the complexities of the Franck Sonata this work can be as daunting for the listener as well as the player. Trudy Kane’s sure technique and mature interpretation, however, make this major work entirely enjoyable and engaging with a huge low register, a clear, relaxed high range, and a smooth flow of melodic ideas, as well as a legato tone throughout.
Although active as a freelance recording artist, this is her first solo recording. We look forward to many more! (J.E.P.)