In the Age – flute-playing at least, shall we say – of Claire Chase it is heartening that we find ourselves in the presence of an equally alluring flutist such as Isabelle Bodenseh, whose character may be defined by her chromatic control, backed by [her] fervour and finesse. But such is a life full of surprises. To be introduced to Ms. Bodenseh’s music – via the disc, Flowing Mind – in the setting of an organ trio is to also celebrate the fact that soundscape of organ trio music may also be reborn with flourish. Certainly, before this recording one was left with a sinking feeling that the music of organ trios was becoming somewhat mannered – even wooden.
There is an unsullied purity about Ms. Bodenseh’s playing. In these works, many of which have been written by the flutist herself, we experience as much the uninhibited exuberance of her playing as we do an other-worldly trance – especially in the second version of the piece Flowing Mind [with strings]. Everywhere one is struck by the fact that tonal balance, throughout this memorable performance, is gloriously exact.
Music – 1: ConFluting; 2: ASAP; 3: Flowing Mind; 4: Molecular Cooking; 5: Dog Rose; 6: Mediterranean Bossa; 7: Sans Moi; 8: Chilli Challi; 9: Flowing Mind [with strings].
Musicians – Isabelle Bodenseh: flutes; Thomas Bauser: Hammond organ; Lorenzo Petrocca: guitar; Lars Binder: drums; Hilde Singer-Biedermann: violin [9]; Ruth Sarrazin: cello [9].