Ariane Brisson/Philip Chiu – Prokofiev: Flute and Piano Sonatas

Flutist Ariane Brisson and pianist Philip Chiu collaborate on a new disc devoted to two sonatas by Prokofiev.

The first of the two works is, in fact, Brisson’s arrangement of the Violin Sonata #1 in F minor. To the ear, this is unnoticeable, a sign that the work is well and meticulously done. The first movement is rooted in the lower registers of both instruments, and the sound of one blends well with the other, proving that we are dealing with two excellent chamber musicians. Piano accompaniment is an art, and Chiu has mastered it. The third movement gives the impression at times that this is a work by Shostakovich, who likes to isolate a wind instrument on a harmonic carpet in his symphonies.

The second part of the album is the sonata for flute and piano #1, contemporary with the first for violin. As in the previous opus, the chemistry between the two performers is evident in both articulation and musicality. Sometimes light-hearted, sometimes mischievous, sometimes dancing or reflective, this work brings out the full talent of Ariane Brisson, a musician whose merits need no further praise.