Seven Country Dances for Flute and Piano

It isn't often that you come across the combination of two composers of the stature of Richard Rodney Bennett and Playford but that is exactly what's on offer here. The combination of the simple melodies together with the harmonic style that Bennett adds to them is very effective - I'm sure Playford would be delighted with the result! The arrangements themselves are all first rate as you would expect, with the folk song style completely retained in the flute part. A tranquil tune such as All in a Garden Green contrasts strongly with the rhythmic drive of both Buskin and Nobody's Jig. Chelsea Reach is marked dolce espressivo and The Mulberry Garden is also slow and sweet. The two Ladies pieces also work well together. All in all this is a most appealing collection which will please fans of both Bennett and Playford as well as the everyone else!