Jacques Ibert (1890-1962): Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1934)
André Jolivet (1905-1974): Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra (1949)
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999): Concierto Pastoral for Flute and Orchestra (1978)

A trio of impressive 20th century concertante works which extend the flute the same respect and stature usually granted to the violin, piano or cello. They release the instrument from its traditional confines as a simple member of the woodwind family within the orchestra, and enhance its untapped potential as a leading voice.

The mercurial Allegro movement of the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Jacques Ibert opens the program, and right off the get-go, Finnish flautist Sami Junnonen deftly launches into a string of technically volatile phrases without missing a beat. Expressive shaping and dynamic bursts of energy are all par for the course. It's followed by an intensely evocative Andante middle movement in which the darker lower register voice of the flute shapes the narrative. Once again Junnonen's lyrical expressivity is remarkably touching. The jaunty Allegro scherzando which ensues once again indicates how good French composers are at conveying a constant sense of forward momentum in music.

André Jolivet's Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra was dedicated to Jean-Pierre Rampal, a name synonymous with the flute. Its slightly more modern style requires a different approach from the soloist, especially within its technically challenging harmonic interval leaps and bounds, and odd rhythmic patterns.

It goes without saying that everyone admires the richly melodic, beautiful slow movement of Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra. The Adagio middle movement from his Concierto Pastoral for Flute and Orchestra has the same "pull at the heartstrings" effect. It was commissioned by another one of the 20th century's flute champions, Sir James Galway. Its mix of dreamy Andalusian folk melodies, bird-like song, and strict technical demands have built its reputation as the go-to flute concerto for aspiring and established artists. Its final minute alone should be enough to convince anyone of Sami Junnonen's impressive musicianship and flawless technique. Does he ever come up for air?.