Since the clavecinistes of the 17th century French music has excelled in sensibilite, where style, delicacy and refinements take priority over passion. The existence therefore of a strong and abiding tradition of French music for that most delicate of wind instruments, the flute, is no surprise. This recording includes many rarities.

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Christopher Hyde-Smith & Jane Dodd

Christopher Hyde-Smith and Jane Dodd first performed together at the Stowe Summer School. Here they established an immediate musical rapport and were greatly encouraged by the enormous enthusiasm with which their concerts were received. A regular duo partnership was formed in 1984 following an invitation to play the complete works for flute and keyboard by Bach and Handel as part of the City of London's celebrations for the tercentenary of the births of these composers.

Christopher and Jane are familiar from their numerous broadcasts which have included first performances and for their many concerts and masterclasses throughout the British Isles. They recently gave highly acclaimed recitals to capacity audiences at the Arundel and Chester festivals. They have also played in France and Austria. Future plans include broadcasting the complete works of the French composers 'Les Six', and recently rediscovered works of William Alwyn.

One of their attractions is their very varied repertoire. In addition to being a pianist Jane has a magnificent double manual harpsichord which she can transport, as well as a portable harmonium and an electric keyboard if the venue dictates. Christopher has flutes in six different pitches, which can be used in one work, as well as demonstrating home-made, baroque and classical flutes.

Christopher Hyde-Smith

Christopher Hyde-Smith's flute playing has been compared in the Guardian to Sir Lawrence Olivier's acting in variety of expression, characterization and style. He has played all over the British isles and at many festivals including Aldeburgh, The Three Choirs, North Wales and York. He has made many trips abroad appearing as soloist in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Scandinavia, Spain and Switzerland as well as North and South America. He has also visited Russia in an ensemble directed by Benjamin Britten. Other distinguished musicians with whom he has performed include Casals, Poulenc, Tortelier and Stravinsky. Christopher has played the Cimarosa Concerto for two flutes with james Galway at the Royal Festival Hall and as concerto soloist he has frequently appeared with the London Mozart Players and also with the London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Concert, Scottish and Welsh Orchestras, Philornusica and Northern Sinfonia. Many composers have written and dedicated works to him, among them William Alwyn, Stephen Dodgson, Joseph Horowitz, William Matthias, John Metcalf and Alan Rawsthorne.

Christopher Hyde-Smith is a professor of flute at the Royal College of Music, where he also studied. He was the founding chairman of the British Flute Society. He plays on a golden flute.

Jane and Christopher were married in 1985 and have two daughters.

'Christopher Hyde-Smith is an absolutely first rate flautist...' STEREO REVIEW, USA

'Never in Munich has a flute player had such a success - and well deserved.' SUDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG

'...... he is among the few [flautists] who are in the finest category.' THE GRAMOPHONE

Jane Dodd

After winning numerous prizes at the Royal College of Music and gaining an honours degree at King'sCollege London, Jane Dodd has spent most of her musical life as an 'unashamed accompanist'. She was a prizewinner in competitions organised by Greater London Arts, Park Lane Group, The Incorporated Society of Musicians, The Worshipful Company of Musicians, and The Kirkman Concert Society. Her recital work has included performances at the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, Festival Hall, Albert Hail and St. John's Smith Square. Concert partners have included Jack Brymer, James Galway, Ifor James, Felicity Lott, Robert Tear, Hugh Bean and Douglas Cummings and she regularly partners oboist Andrew Knights and is a member of a piano trio.

Jane has played for BBC Radio Education Programmes and has three times toured the USA. Work has also included accompanying the choir of St. Martin-in-the-Fieldsand playing as orchestral pianist in the BBC Symphony Orchestra. She is no stranger to masterclasses and has acted as official accompanist at the BBC TV 'Young Musician of the Year' competition. Recently she has been teacher and accompanist at the Purcell specialist music school and her work at summer schools takes her to Ramsgate International Summer School and a summer school in the Austrian Tyrol. Pieces have been dedicated to

Jane by composers Dominic Muldowney and David McBride.

"Jane Dodd's accompanying was exemplary.' SUNDAY TIMES

"In Jane Dodd he has found a rare accompanist, outstanding indeed was the quality of artistry and skill." DAILY TELEGRAPH

"Jane Dodd was an unfailing tower of strength throughout a taxing programme." YORKSHIRE POST