Bach's rarely performed masterpiece The Art of Fugue touches both heart and mind.
Bach did not specify on which instruments it should be played and it has in fact been played by innumerable different combinations of instruments. This performance includes a flute part, played by the renowned English flautist William Bennett.
William Bennett (flute) is one of the foremost musical artists performing today. He has been principal flute in the London Symphony Orchestra, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra. Among his numerous solo recordings, are CDs with Yehudi Menuhin, and I Musici. In addition to recording the standard repertoire not only has he made pioneering recordings of many neglected 19th century works but has also recorded with Jimi Hendrix and Wynton Marsalis.
“That Prince among flautists” Daily Mail
London Octave was founded in 1998 by cellist Dietrich Bethge and performs music mainly from the classical and baroque era. The number of players varies according to repertoire, which often includes music for chamber orchestra by Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, etc. The aim is to perform music which benefits from being played by a small and intimate group of friends who perform not only for the audience’s but also for their own enjoyment. They perform regularly at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Engagements for the ensemble have included concerts in Istanbul and various CD recordings including a CD of The Art of Fugue. The players in tonight’s concert originally met while working in the English Chamber Orchestra.
“Quite excellent... outstandingly musical and lively” Manchester Evening News
“Superb delivery of Bach and Handel” The Independent