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Faculty recital to feature two ‘B’s’ of flute world
HUNTINGTON — A faculty recital Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Smith Recital Hall at Marshall University will feature two of the “B’s” of the flute world, Blavet and Bach.
Wendell Dobbs will perform Michel Blavet’s “Sonata in E Minor” on his new 18th-century flute created earlier this year by Elkins craftsman John Gallagher. Harpsichordist Kay Wildman will accompany him. The program continues with two sonatas by J.S. Bach. Violinist Reed Smith will join them for the “Trio Sonata from the Musical Offering.” The program will conclude with Bach’s “E Major Flute Sonata.”
Blavet is remembered as a skilled flutist and capable composer who served around the French court in the mid-18th century. He’s one of a handful of flutists who played backwards, that is, with the flute extending to the left instead of to the right. However, his flute music was considered “forward” in its expressive use of the instrument.
The two works by Bach come from the end of his life. In 1747, he visited his son Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, who was employed at Potsdam in the court of Frederick the Great. During his visit, Frederick gave Bach, who was renowned for his skills at improvisation, a theme upon which to improvise. Bach impressed the court with his abilities. Upon returning home to Leipzig, Bach published a full treatment of the “Royal Theme” and sent a copy to Frederick. The second and fourth movements of the Trio Sonata feature the theme embedded in the texture.
