A sonata in 3 movements that captures many different characters of the flute and is accompanied by an exciting piano part.
Opus No : 135
Category : Chamber Music / Flute
Year : 2008
Duration : 14 minutes
Commissioned by :Alexa Still
Instrumentation: flute and piano
Level :
4 - challenging for professional musicians
Available from
the composer
The Flute Sonata was composed for Alexa Still, and is in three
movements:
Allegro barbaro – 4 minutes
Adagio con rubato – 5 minutes
Allegro molto – 4 minutes
The first movement is characterized by strong accents and motor rhythms. A wedged-shape opening theme is contrasted with a darker, smoother second theme. The movement has traces of sonata form though the structure is treated with freedom. A mysterious middle section builds to a climax, leading to a highly truncated and varied recapitulation.
In the second movement a florid flute melody contrasts with a heavy chordal motif on the piano. The somber mood is lightened a little by a higher pitched second idea that, nonetheless, has a rather sinister character. Towards the end, the flute part becomes freer in rhythm, like a small cadenza, and anticipates ideas in the third movement.
This final movement is connected to the second without a break, and is dance-like in mood. A quirky opening theme builds to a more robust second idea. As these ideas are developed a waltz-like section appears on the piano, contrasted with a more lyrical theme on flute. A reversed recapitulation of themes leads to a quicker coda, and the work ends with a flourish.
Total duration: 14-15 minutes
Dedicated to Alexa