Boismortier's duets reflect the rhetorical principle of 'elegant and refined conversation,' creating an intimate, equal dialogue between two players where neither is reduced to mere accompaniment.
Composer Biography
Joseph Bodin de Boismortier (1689-1755) was one of France's most prolific composers of instrumental music, arriving in Paris in 1724 during a period of great cultural activity.
Performer Biography
Fabiano Martignago, one of the performers, won the National Arts Award in 2011 as a soloist in the early instruments section.
Recording & Production
This recording uses different types of flutes, including soprano, contralto, and voice flutes, to highlight the range of sound nuances in Boismortier's compositions.
Composition History
Before publishing his first opus, Boismortier circulated a manuscript of duets to gauge public interest, later adding new pieces and offering them to the public.
Performer Biography
Luca Ventimiglia, the other performer, has a particular interest in folk instruments and has recorded bagpipes and whistles for the international heavy metal band Rhapsody of Fire.
Compositional Technique
The prevailing rule in Boismortier's duets is imitation: the first flute introduces a theme, and the second flute repeats and develops it to create a pleasant exchange.
