Search - Jean-Pierre Rampal [DVD Video] on DVD

Rampal plays baroque, classical and modern works superbly

Mike Birman | Brooklyn, New York USA | 11/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The earliest recordings here date from March 1958. Rampal plays the Handel Sonata for flute and basso continuo, HWV 369 along with works by Debussy, Ravel and Jolivet. His flute is the famous Louis Lot No. 1375 in 18-carat gold, a legendary flute made in 1869 that Rampal continued to play until the following year. The sound he coaxes from this superb instrument is stunning, even in this old mono recording (which is nevertheless rich and full). This is followed by a fascinating and entertaining performance, on modern instruments plus a probable Pleyel harpsichord, of the Vivaldi Concerto in G minor, RV439, "La Notte" for flute, strings and basso continuo. It is performed with the Collegium Musicum de Paris (who are mostly women, a little Vivaldian authenticity, perhaps?), and was recorded in Oct. 1963. Here is Vivaldi as it was played at the very start of the Vivaldi revival. This is followed by the Bach Suite in C minor, BWV 997 for flute and basso continuo, recorded in April 1963. More excellent Bach and Couperin follow.

The highlights of the disc include the Mozart Flute Concerto No.1 in G Major, K 313, recorded May 1965 with the Orchestre Philharmonique de l'ORTF, a Rampal speciality. It starts off a little ragged, with some variable speeds and intonation problems amongst the horns, but it settles down quickly. Rampal's playing is luscious and rich, with a tone, phrasing and intonation that must be heard to be believed. Rampal was a remarkable artist on this instrument! What emerges is French Mozart: a little swifter, a little less gemutlich than German or Italian Mozart. The final recording (and the other major highlight) is worth the price of the disc. Jacques Ibert's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, recorded with the Orch. Phil. de l'ORTF in April 1962. It is the best version of this splendid concerto, the finest flute concerto written in the 20th Century, that I've yet heard! Fiery, fierce and intense, with superb playing from Rampal and conceptually perfect in its presentation, if you admire this work, you must hear this riveting and truly stunning performance.

These are all archival recordings in black and white. The films, though digitally remastered, retain some of the defects (such as a lack of crystal clarity and the occasional picture dropout) of a 50 year old video recording. Sound, however, is rich and full in two track mono. The flute is presented well in front and is very clear at all times. Rampal sounds as if he's right there in front of you. Nice job of re-mastering. The disc lasts 98 minutes and contains the usual menus, languages and film previews.

Regardless of their age, these archival recordings fully reveal Rampal's great artistry on the flute. If you like this artist, these recordings will enhance your collection. Strongly recommended.

Mike Birman"