Flautando Köln - Kaleidoskop (LP)

Flautando Köln, a renowned recorder quartet, presents "Kaleidoskop," a captivating album released on November 15, 2019, under the Conditura Records label. Spanning a diverse range of musical styles and periods, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience that showcases the ensemble's virtuosity and versatility.

The album opens with traditional English dances from "The English Dancing Master," followed by a sacred piece, "Sicut cervus desiderat," Psalm 42, demonstrating the quartet's ability to navigate both secular and spiritual themes. The program then takes a turn towards Turkish folk music with pieces like "Hayriye 'nin boyu uzun" and "Aman avci vurma beni," highlighting Flautando Köln's exploration of global musical traditions.

The quartet also delves into classical repertoire with selections from Beethoven's "Sechs Bagatellen für Bläserquintett" and Mozart's "9 Variationen über Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman," K. 265, arranged for recorder quartet. These pieces showcase the ensemble's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

The album further explores the recorder's expressive range with works like "Ein Ritter im Reuental" and "Swirling Leaves in D Minor," as well as contemporary compositions such as "Gentle Giant" and "The Bag of Spuds." The inclusion of folk tunes like "Scarborough Fair" and "Hora ca din caval" adds a touch of familiarity and accessibility to the program.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, "Kaleidoskop" is a testament to Flautando Köln's ability to curate a cohesive and engaging musical journey. The album is a celebration of the recorder's versatility, offering a delightful mix of classical, folk, and contemporary pieces that will appeal to a wide range of listeners.