John Lemmoné
John Lemmoné wrote late Romantic character pieces for flute and piano that favour brilliance, charm and light virtuosity, in a salon manner close to the violin showpieces of his day.
Thirteen of those pieces are gathered on disc: caprices, waltzes, a Scottish fantasia and reveries with titles such as Wind Amongst the Trees and The Elves. The writing treats the flute as an instrument of high drama, humorous display and elfin charm, always with an eye to entertaining the room. Flash and sweetness matter more than restraint. Lemmoné was also Nellie Melba’s accompanist and musical director, and that concert-platform world shapes the music.
John Lemmoné is featured on the following titles
John Lemmoné: The Flute Music
Lemmoné was Dame Nellie Melba’s accompanist and musical director. He wrote very much in the style of the day, with an eye to his audience and a willingness to provide flashy displays of technique—good taste, it appears, was never a burning issue.