Juan Cossío plays Gaspard Kummer (World Premiere Recording)

Madrid based HR Recordings has been releasing some truly luscious recordings at NativeDSD this past year. In this new release, they present the debut of the young Spanish flute player Juan Cossío (1996) in excellent performances of the complete music for flute and guitar by German composer Gaspard Kummer (1795 - 1870). Kummer was considered one of the best flute composers in Europe during the 19th Century. He wrote for the flute in several instrumental combinations with different companions. This release of his Complete Duos for Flute and Guitar were performed by Cossío and Agústin Maruri (guitar) from the original editions and are the first world recordings of these works.

Cossío performs these works with a delicate sweetness of tone and with superb articulation. His control is simply phenomenal as he breathes life and interest into these works. Performing with a lovely combination of grace and flexibility of phrasing, he allows these works to breathe and flow with a naturalness that is beguiling. Most enjoyably, he plays directly, with emotion, but without grandstanding. And in the course of his recital, he allows the personality of each piece to become alive and apparent. So, in an album filled with the works of a single composer, we hear an extensive definite variety that keeps the entire 90 minute recital fresh and diverse.

While these are duos, they were clearly written by a flutist with the flute given highest visibility. Agústin Maruri on guitar serves in this supportive role with grace and poise throughout. I doubt Cossío could have asked for a more accomplished and compatible accompanist.