Flute Repertoire
Just a few pieces I am currently or have recently worked on. Feel free to send me comments or suggestions!
J.S. Bach Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013
If you haven't played this gem of the flute repertoire, put it on your list. Understanding the underlying harmonic progressions will help make your phrasing flow and your breathing easier.
Cécile Chaminade Concertino
This show piece is fun and flashy, and a standard for young flutists. While it can be seen as overused, one of the joys of working with it is searching for and finding something new when it seems that every idea has been used before.
Georges Hüe Fantasie
Another member of the flashy French repertoire, this piece is enjoyable because of its variety in character. One moment it’s flowing and luxurious, the next it’s sneaky and urgent. Bring out the contrast between these sections.
Carl Reinecke Sonata "Undine"
One of the finest pieces of Romantic flute repertoire, this sonata was conceived as a musical interpretation of the story of a water spirit named Undine. It is easy to hear the rolling waves of the water in Reinecke's flowing lines. Be very aware of tone color when preparing this sonata, and be sensitive to the piano parts, which are of equal importance to those of the flute.
Otar Taktakishvili Sonata for Flute and Piano
This beautiful but playful contemporary sonata encompasses what I perceive as the ideal piece. It has enough melodic and harmonic variation to keep the serious listener engaged, but it is very accessible for less classically trained ears. And it’s a lot of fun!
Peteris Vasks Ainava ar Putniem (Landscape with Birds)
Latvian composer Peteris Vasks uses the extended techniques of the flute to create a beautiful soundscape that brings birds and nature to mind. However you feel about extended techniques, it seems undeniable to me that this composer uses them very effectively and beautifully. The best way to make a piece like this come across well is to just go for it! Otherwise, it can sound stiff and unconvincing.
Just a few pieces I am currently or have recently worked on. Feel free to send me comments or suggestions!
J.S. Bach Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013
If you haven't played this gem of the flute repertoire, put it on your list. Understanding the underlying harmonic progressions will help make your phrasing flow and your breathing easier.
Cécile Chaminade Concertino
This show piece is fun and flashy, and a standard for young flutists. While it can be seen as overused, one of the joys of working with it is searching for and finding something new when it seems that every idea has been used before.
Georges Hüe Fantasie
Another member of the flashy French repertoire, this piece is enjoyable because of its variety in character. One moment it’s flowing and luxurious, the next it’s sneaky and urgent. Bring out the contrast between these sections.
Carl Reinecke Sonata "Undine"
One of the finest pieces of Romantic flute repertoire, this sonata was conceived as a musical interpretation of the story of a water spirit named Undine. It is easy to hear the rolling waves of the water in Reinecke's flowing lines. Be very aware of tone color when preparing this sonata, and be sensitive to the piano parts, which are of equal importance to those of the flute.
Otar Taktakishvili Sonata for Flute and Piano
This beautiful but playful contemporary sonata encompasses what I perceive as the ideal piece. It has enough melodic and harmonic variation to keep the serious listener engaged, but it is very accessible for less classically trained ears. And it’s a lot of fun!
Peteris Vasks Ainava ar Putniem (Landscape with Birds)
Latvian composer Peteris Vasks uses the extended techniques of the flute to create a beautiful soundscape that brings birds and nature to mind. However you feel about extended techniques, it seems undeniable to me that this composer uses them very effectively and beautifully. The best way to make a piece like this come across well is to just go for it! Otherwise, it can sound stiff and unconvincing.
