Poulenc: Flute Sonata / Messiaen: Le Merle Noir / Boulez: Sonatine

Dive into the enchanting world of French flute music with Patrick Gallois, a renowned flutist known for his exquisite technique and expressive playing. This album, released on Naxos in 2005, showcases Gallois' virtuosity through a captivating selection of chamber works. The centerpiece is Francis Poulenc's Flute Sonata, Op. 164, a piece that beautifully balances melancholy and playfulness across its three movements. Gallois' performance is accompanied by Lydia Wong on the piano, creating a seamless and harmonious blend of sounds.

The album also features Olivier Messiaen's iconic "Le Merle Noir," a piece inspired by the blackbird's song, and Pierre Boulez's "Sonatine," a modernist work that challenges and delights with its complex rhythms and harmonies. Additionally, the album includes "Chant de Linos" by André Jolivet, adding another layer of French musical heritage to the collection. With a total duration of one hour, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rich and varied exploration of French flute repertoire performed by one of the genre's finest artists.