Felicia van den End – Sonoro (Album Review)

Dutch flutist Felicia van den End’s Sonoro is an impressive debut album which showcases the young musician’s versatility.

For a 29 year old, Felicia van den End’s musical résumé is remarkable. Considered one of the ‘most versatile flutists of her generation’, she has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and worked with some of the finest musicians, including Jacques Zoon, Phillipe Bernold and Patrick Gallois.

Sonoro came as something of a surprise to me. Before listening to this album, I would, quite definitely have told you that a song is not really complete without lyrics and though my music taste is quite diverse for someone in their mid-twenties, I have yet to really delve into the world of classical music.

This nine-track album is made up of particular sections, beginning with a selection of jazz standards before moving on to Latin inspired pieces and finishing with Piazzolla’s tango and a folk song. Her progression through these differing genres and mastery of her instrument is inspiring. The collection of tracks she has chosen to include on this album are perfect as, for me, they show her musical influences and her journey as a musician, and move seamlessly from one to the next. That is what makes a debut album good, at least in my opinion.

It is difficult for me to pick highlights on this album as my knowledge of the genre is so limited, and the execution was so good. In particular I was drawn to the songs from which I could pick up a hint of a story, or hear in the score of a film, such was their vividness. Favourites for me included much of the Latin section, particularly Sonata Latino II Rumbango, which I believed particularly highlights van den End’s talent. I was also drawn to the drama in 6 tango etudes no. 4 – Lento – Meditativio for alto flute solo – which was a little darker than the rest and showcased a different side to what I previously believed to be quite a light and happy instrument.

Though Sonoro has not completely turned me into a classical music fan, I think I have a better understanding of the capabilities of the musicians who follow its path through listening to the album. It’s a good introduction to the genre and will appeal to those who are already fans.

[Editor/Author Note: This review was originally published by cargoART Magazine 2015.]