Wilhelm Popp: Complete Sonatinas for Flute and Piano

In many pedagogical circles, particularly in middle Europe, the music of Wilhelm Popp (who also published under the pseudonyms “Henry Alberti” and “Guillaume Popp”), is some of the most important for the artistic and technical development of student flutists. His output adds up to almost 600 pieces for flute in various styles and ranges of difficulties. In his Op. 388, we hear hints of Beethoven, Schubert, and Weber throughout, music that he without doubt played during his orchestral career. The six sonatinas cover a wide range of musical emotion and virtuosity, despite their pithy form. These short and crisp movements are stylistic snapshots and are therefore incredibly valuable as pedagogical tools. They are equally enjoyable to perform and hopefully to listen to. In this recording, Eric Lamb and Mari Kato bring this music back into focus by presenting performances that honor its beauty, simplicity, and importance in flute development.