Swiss flautist Emmanuel Pahud has been hailed as the finest flautist of his generation, “admired for the purity and subtlety of his tonal colours, his imaginative phrasing and his command of a broad range of styles.”

Emmanuel Pahud

His mastery of the flute is nothing short of spellbinding, as he has the rare ability to infuse even the most complex works with warmth and charm, making him a true ambassador of the instrument. To celebrate his birthday on 27 January, let us sample five of his most renowned and iconic recordings.

C.P.E Bach

Emmanuel Pahud Plays C.P.E. Bach’s Allegro from Sonata in A minor

Some of Pahud’s most iconic recordings engage with the music of Carl Philipp Emanual Bach. His performances have been described as “masterclasses in virtuosity and musicality.” To be sure, his effortless technique allows him to bring out the emotional expressiveness of Bach’s more dramatic and frequently unpredictable writing.

Pahud approaches the music with great stylistic finesse, highlighting the ornamental and often volatile nature of the compositions. It all sounds refreshingly natural, with special emphasis given to the lightness and agility of the phrasing. Pahud beautifully balances virtuosity with lyrical sensitivity in the mediative sections, setting a benchmark for contemporary approaches to Bach’s music.

Sergei Prokofiev

© Stefan Höderath

Pahud’s recordings of Prokofiev have been widely praised for their virtuosic skill and artistic depth. His playing is described as “spectacularly fluent and effortless,” allowing Prokofiev’s intricate melodies and sharp rhythmic structures to come through with remarkable clarity. His dynamic range and interpretive subtlety allow him to maintain the emotional core of the music.

Some critics have pointed out that Pahud’s performances of modernist works “felt more intellectual and less visceral than expected.” It might well sound less spontaneous, but Pahud’s artistry remains undeniable. His interpretation of Prokofiev stands as one of the most authoritative modern takes on these 20th-century masterpieces.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Emmanuel Pahud Performs Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major, K. 313

Pahud’s recordings of the Mozart Flute Concertos, primarily with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic, are generally regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of these iconic works. This special collaboration, blending Pahud’s virtuosity and Rattle’s sensitive conducting, has received considerable praise. Gramophone lauded Pahud for “his ability to balance the virtuosic elements with elegance and grace, without sacrificing musicality.”

© Fabien Monthubert

In the slow movements, Pahud’s tone was called sublime, and his ability to find depth in the music’s simplicity “is a testament to his artistry.” It is an almost regal recording, particularly in Mozart’s lyrical passages. While some commentators suggest that Pahud’s interpretations sometimes feel “too controlled and over-refined,” Pahud’s lyrical interpretation and flawless technique skilfully navigate the complexities of Mozart’s ornamentation and cadenzas.

Francis Poulenc

Francis Poulenc: Flute Sonata, FP 164 (Emmanuel Pahud, flute; Eric Le Sage, piano)

Emmanuel Pahud’s performance of Poulenc’s Flute Sonata has been praised as exquisite and compelling. His interpretation captured the work’s wit and lyrical charm with subtle yet expressive phrasing and exceptional attention to dynamic contrasts. As usual, his technical skills are exceptional, particularly in the playful and fast-paced sections.

In the slow movement, Pahud’s phrasing was described as “tender yet controlled,” demonstrating a sensitive approach to the music’s more introspective side. His interpretation is lauded for its refined expressivity, particularly when he manages to bring out the bittersweet qualities of the work “without veering into over-sentimentality.”

French Flute Music

Pahud’s mastery of French flute music is a key aspect of his reputation. The music is known for its refinement, elegance, and unique tonal demands. As such, Pahud’s clean articulation, precise intonation, and rich tone are ideal for this type of repertoire as they allow him to bring out the nuanced and colouristic qualities of the music.

Emmanuel Pahud’s mastery is a seamless blend of technical brilliance and profound musicality, elevating the instrument to new heights. His performances continue to inspire and captivate, cementing his place as one of the foremost flautists of our time.

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Emmanuel Pahud Plays Fauré’s Fantaisie, Op. 79