First recording: the complete works for flute solo by Bozza!

Eugène Bozza lived from 1905-1991. Born in Nice, he studied at the Paris Conservatoire and did brilliantly in violin, conducting and composition.

Bozza lived through most of the 20th century, successfully absorbing the various musical styles of impressionism, neo-Classicism, jazz, modernism and other isms. He composed symphonies, concertos, opera, ballets but today he is mostly known for his works for wind instruments.

This new recording presents Bozza’s output for the solo flute. The 14 Etudes-arabesques contain whole-tone scales, chromatic runs, fluttertonguing, grace notes and occasionally bird-song imitations. The 10 Studies in Karnatic Mode are more modernist, they are based on Indian modes and employ quarter tones, creating a fascinating, exotic atmosphere.

Dutch flutist Marieke Schneemann is fully up to the huge technical and musical challenges of this highly original music, which she describes as “a magical world”.