Five Lovely Duet Books (Now That We’re Allowed To!)

The good weather is on its way, and with it comes the opportunity to make music in the great outdoors. Discover some wonderful flute duet music to celebrate with a friend!

Devienne: Six Duets for Two Flutes, Op 75

Is there anyone who doesn’t love playing Devienne duets? These six short, two movement pieces are tuneful, written in easy keys and are rhythmically straightforward so they make ideal good time material. Duets in the garden on a sunny day? Perfect! Difficulty guide: 5-6

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Carey Blyton: After Hokusai for Two Flutes

These beautiful duets are really classy and their simple writing style seems to appeal to everyone whatever their level. Each one is based on a Hokusai painting featuring flora and fauna. The flute parts are completely equal and the modest note range and easily accomplished rhythms means that they are lovely to play. All five duets have their own character, and the Japanese intervals both in the melody and between the parts really take us to the East! Highly recommended. Difficulty Guide: 3-5

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Richard Rodney Bennett: Conversations for Two Flutes

These five little ‘conversations’ by Richard Rodney Bennett really are just that! The parts are equal and talk to each other! The style is quirky rather than tuneful and although you won’t necessarily be singing them on the way home, they are certainly very engaging. Definitely conversation material! Difficulty Guide: 6

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Ali Ryerson: Four Jazz Duets

These four great duets by Ali Ryerson make playing jazz seem straightforward, especially as she has included the option of improvising or playing the written part which is very helpful. Daytime Blues and In the Shade are really feel good numbers, while Fourths for Two in Three and Try and Catch Me are a little more complex. Hugely enjoyable and a great asset in a flute concert! Difficulty Guide: 6-8

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Telemann arranged Sparrow and Cook: Telemann for Two Book 1, Fantasias 1-6 for Two Flutes

The idea to add another flute part to these Telemann Fantaisias is not new, but this is a really authentic adaptation. The sharing out of the orginal melodic line between the two parts certainly helps learn the harmonic structure which will be very useful knowledge when going back to the solo version.  That’s before you get to the fact that they’re all great to play! Just excellent all round! Difficulty Guide: 6-8