Search - Paul Hindemith, Bohuslav Martinu, Sergey Prokofiev :: Les Nouveaux Musiciens

A must have!

Pablo Acosta | Chicago, IL United States | 01/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mathieu Dufour, principal flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1999, gives a superb version of the Prokofiev, Martinu and Hindemith sonatas that is a pleasure to hear. All these pieces are technically challenging, but this French flutist makes them sound easy, reaching a high level full of musicality and touching sound. Aleksandar Madzar also gives a very precise and powerful performance at the piano, that many times is as demanding as the flute part.
Dufour in this CD truly gives a breath of fresh air to the flute repertoire. Highly recommended!!
I hope we can enjoy new productions or releases from this artist in the near future."

A 'must have' for all flute lovers...

R. G. W. Brown | Tustin, CA, USA | 08/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mathieu Dufour is currently solo flutist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, so you expect him to be stunning to listen to - and he is, both live in recital and on this CD - extraordinary playing precision, with tone-colors `to die for' and musicianship so good it defies description.



In the Prokofiev Sonata, in contrast to the `driven' version of Galway/Argerich (which I enjoy), Dufour gives us almost an opposite interpretation: contemplative, reflective - played with such delicacy and musical sensitivity. It is simply delicious.



Dufour's account of the Martinu Sonata is playful, simple, gentle and also delicious. Even the `technical' Hindemith Sonata is brought to musical life by this master musician - I can actually listen to this version with pleasure!



This wonderful CD is a master-class for all flutists at any performing level - especially today's many young note-perfect flute-`technicians' who need to go beyond their speed capabilities and discover real flute musicianship.



But above all, for those who love the sound of the flute at its very best, this CD is for you. Glorious, sumptuous, immaculate and exciting flute playing - with remarkable attention to the musical detail of every note and phrase - and with exquisite, matching piano accompaniment throughout by Madzar.

"

Rising Passionate Musician

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having recently attended a master class/recital by Dufours with my wife, I can totally agree with another reviewer who expresses that Dufours exhibits what all flutists, and for that matter musicians, need is for expression of music to come forward, not just technical capabilities. This is exactly what Dufours stressed and performed at his class/recital and on this CD.



Music to him and this reviewer must be more than just technical, but expressive. That is very purpose composers wrote their creations.



Here this Chicago principal flutist exhibits his expressiveness on such wonderful passionate pieces such as the Prokofiev and Martinu. In listening, Dufours communicates his interpretation of what he believes the composes wants to express in the music.



Hoping to hear more from this sensational young flutist!"