Corentin Boissier Flute Sonata

[Music33]

We have already discussed the music of French living composer Corentin Boissier. I see he recently shared his Sonata for Flute and Piano performed by Gladys Avignon and himself. I find it a delightful, spirited work. Would like to know your opinions about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEcYF7yeIo4

[Alan Howe]

It's a beautiful work, brilliant too. Perhaps all it lacks is personality - compared, say, to the utterly magical Poulenc Flute Sonata, which is my absolute favourite in this genre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T0Zv7rPPfo

[Music33]

Sorry for the late reply... I connect on this forum only from time to time.
I see your point about the Poulenc Sonata. I agree with you it's a wonderful work which immediately embarks the listener in a particular sound world, which is Poulenc's own.
That said, I will not go so far as to say that Boissier's work lacks personality. Even if it does not have a special, immediately recognizible sound world, the same can be said of most flute sonatas, in my opinion. And, for me, the fact it is really cleverly constructed and well written for both instruments, and the peculiar blend of romantic, impressionist and neoclassical styles into a single, yet coherent, work is enough to make it a very fine addition to the flute-and-piano repertoire. But of course it's just my personal opinion. Is no one else on this forum interested in this sonata?

[Alan Howe]

I probably shouldn't have compared it to the Poulenc. It's a very fine work in its own right and beautifully written for the flute - well worth recording.