Flute Sonata in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1
Flute Sonata in G Major, Op. 3, No. 2
Flute Sonata in E Minor, Op. 3, No. 3
Flute Sonata in A Major, Op. 3, No. 4
Flute Sonata in C Major, Op. 3, No. 5
Flute Sonata in G Major, Op. 3, No. 6

Italian composer and singer Giovanni Benedetto Platti (1697-1763) was born 20 years later than Antonio Vivaldi and was actually a student of the master for a short period of time, and the influence is quite noticeable. Historically he straddles the late Baroque and early Classical eras, but these early Sonatas for Transverse Flute are very much an extension of the Italian Baroque style. They were apparently composed over an extended period of time but don't really demonstrate any dramatic stylistic change, although the later ones do exert a stronger technical challenge on the player. Flawlessly written, they certainly bring out the timbral and tonal qualities not only of the flute, but of the continuo instruments as well. A striking example of this is the Pastorale: Allegro movement of the No. 5 in C major. The upbeat movements are bright and energetic, and the slow movements graceful and highly melodic.

Baroque flute and recorder player Alexa Raine-Wright produces an impeccably pleasant sound throughout the full register from top to bottom notes, as well as an exceptional control on instant shifts in dynamics and breath control. Camille Paquette-Roy (Cello), Sylvain Bergeron (Lute) and Rona Nadler (Harpsichord) provide excellent support not only with top musicianship, but also by adding their own highly expressive touches to the music. Playing of this calibre has made me appreciate the music of Platti more than ever before. Add to this very tangible and well balanced audio engineering which sets the sound outside of the speaker enclosures and you have a winner on all counts.