The concertos on this CD exemplify C. P. E. Bach’s adherence to the Empfindsamer stil – with its demands for expressive sensibility and refinement – as well as his foreshadowing of Sturm und Drang. In his lucid notes to this CD, flautist and director Alexis Kossenko emphasises the emotional range of these works – as well as their formidable technical demands. Some of the music, he argues, was probably conceived for another instrument; the stormy outer movements of the D-minor Concerto  in particular are “not at all typical of flute compositions, refuting […] all preconceived ideas about the fragility and delicacy of the instrument”. In his playing, Kossenko proves fully capable of projecting the dramatic power and technical virtuosity demanded in these movements; but he is also capable of producing exquisite “fragility and delicacy”, where required.

In his notes, Kossenko emphasises the expressive contrasts between the movements of the three concertos, describing each movement as if it displays an internal unity of affect. His actual performances, however, reveal a subtler, more varied picture; even the stormiest movements have their moments of refined elegance and repose.

The orchestra (consisting of strings and harpsichord continuo) is equally sensitive and responsive. It retains a beautifully rounded tonal production in the harshest and most agitated passages – and in the most exquisitely fragile moments – without undervaluing the music’s expressive depth and dramatic vitality. I look forward to the continuation of this series. Strongly recommended. URI GOLOMB