I’ve been performing Gaubert’s Flute and Piano repertoire for many years (and he was Professor of Flute at the Paris Conservatoire so it’s is quite extensive). So when I saw this recording I was inclined to have a listen to see what he was like as an orchestrator and use this knowledge in my performances.

The first work, Au pays basque or In the Basque Country starts off quiet with muted strings and then suddenly it’s like the world is in colour and you hadn’t realised it was black and white. Leaving you breathless, the romantic Concerto for Violin follows and continues in this distinctly Gaubert compositional world for the rest of the recording. Every work is romantic, without being mushy, structured without losing the plot. While the orchestration is stunning and use of solo instruments interwoven with lush full orchestra moments are simply heavenly.

Gaubert didn’t break any compositional rules, didn’t create a new compositional school, didn’t revolutionise anything. What he did do was use every single tool to its best advantage. I find it criminal that these are world premiere recordings aside from some old 78s of Gaubert conducting from the early 20th century. If you’re a fan of orchestral works of any description this CD is simply and beautifully enjoyable. I’ve got Volume 1 and 2 on order and can’t wait to hear them.

Kate Rockstrom is from Readings in Carlton.