Philippe Gaubert was among the most prominent French musicians of the period between the two world wars. As a composer, he was not an innovator, but he assimilated many of the innovations of Franck, Ravel and Debussy. Volume 2 of his complete works for flute features his three genial sonatas. No. 2, with its pastoral style, long melodic lines and restrained dynamics, calls to mind the mature chamber works of Fauré. Sonatas Nos. 1 and 3, while exhibiting the composer’s traditional hallmarks of clarity of form, economy of means and warmth of expression, are characterised by a feeling of improvisational freedom and spontaneity that challenge the breath control and interpretative abilities of the player.