Duo Gives Bach Flute Sonatas a Well-Played, Stylish Airing

This is the month Bach was born and the 250th year after his death, so it is no surprise that Bach-themed events are beginning to fall thickly around us. Flutist David Shostac and harpsichordist Igor Kipnis are in the middle of a series of performances of the Bach flute sonatas, including a concert Saturday evening in Brentwood presented by the Harpsichord Center benefiting the Southern California Baroque Assn.

Unlike, say, the solo works for violin or cello, these six sonatas form no consistent set. Stylistic motley, in fact, is one of their charms, revealing contrasting facets of affectionate simplicity and mannered elegance often undervalued or ignored in Bach. The B-minor Sonata, BWV 1030, is masterpiece enough for any group, allowing plenty of room for oddball naivete and quirky twists in the other five.

Shostac and Kipnis amiably discussed some of the academic issues of the music, and played it with consistent rhythmic verve and stylish aplomb. Shostac handled the rigors of line and point effortlessly, even in the sublimely difficult B-minor. He embellished with expressive grace and supplied endless waves of gleaming tone, solidly supported by Kipnis.

The Contrapuntal Performances Recital Hall--a thoroughly pleasant, high-ceilinged studio space in a private residence--proved sonically warm and clear, ideal for this kind of intimate music making. Shostac and Kipnis will repeat the concert Tuesday evening at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan Beach.