Reviewed by Peter Dilley

George Frederic Handel is best known for his oratorios, including of course 'The Messiah', and his orchestral and chamber works such as "The Water Music" and "Music For The Royal Fireworks" also have an enduring appeal. Handel's 11 flute sonatas are perhaps heard less often , and some of these (especially HWV 374-376) were most probably written for other instruments, then transposed for "German flute" because of its popularity at the time (around 1730). Whatever their origins, these sonatas all have that pleasingly intricate contrapuntal structure (flute vs cello) so typical of the Baroque era. The trio performing here is a distinguished one: in addition to orchestral and academic commitments, flautist Paul Edmund-Davies and John Alley (harpsichord) play together in the Deutz Trio (with Roy Carter - oboe) but for this recording they're joined by the highly-acclaimed young cellist Tim Hugh. To me and those who'd joined us for a relaxing evening of cheese, wine and conversation recently, these sonatas seemed perfect for the occasion.

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