After the violence and destruction of the First World, a new musical aesthetic developed in Paris. Following the publication of Jean Cocteau’s famous pamphlet Le Coq et l’Arlequin, Impressionist influences were denigrated and instead simplicity in expression was promoted. This album of flute music charts this new ‘Harlequin’ direction, from old school adherent Pierre de Breville to foreign musicians such as Tansman and Anthell who flocked to the city. Foremost among the exponents are members of the famous Groupe des Six whose innovations challenged and changed French wind music forever. Thies Roorda studied at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague with Paul Verhey and in the United States with the renowned Geoffrey Gilbert. After a long career with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, he now dedicates himself to specific periods of the flute repertoire that are of particular interest to him.
