At the turn of the 20th century, French composers sought new colours and textures. Debussy’s Première rhapsodie (1909–10) glows with atmosphere and virtuosity, while his Sonata for flute, viola and harp (1915) revives Baroque elegance with an unusual blend of instruments.

Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro (1905), a showcase for the harp, sparkles with delicacy and rhythmic drive. His Violin Sonata No 2 (1923–27) embraces jazz influences, blending French refinement with American rhythms in a strikingly modern, cosmopolitan voice.

Ravel Violin Sonata No 2
Debussy Première rhapsodie for clarinet and piano
Debussy Sonata for flute, viola and harp
Ravel Introduction and Allegro

Lily Bryant flute
Andrew Seymour clarinet
Yue-Hong Cha violin
Christopher Nicholas violin
Caleb Wright viola
Ivan James cello
Meriel Owen harp
Karen Smithies piano

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