There is a new ARSM syllabus to enjoy and these pieces are a real treat for everyone!
Carl Fruhling: Fantasie for Flute and Piano
This substantial work is in three distinct sections. The first is captivating with its beautiful soaring melody, the ‘andante espressivo e sostenuto’ is tinged with sadness and leads into the passionate ‘feurig schnell’ which is full of turbulent flute writing. This is not an overly technical work so it is a great piece to programme. It’s also unashamedly romantic and audiences will absolutely love it! Difficulty Guide: 8
Yuko Uebayashi: Le Vent a Travers les Ruines for Solo Flute
This is a very imaginative piece which combines the simplicity of melody with more complex rhythms and textures. The enigmatic opening and closing sections sit low in the flute range and seem to be distant. In between is more animated and more present, with increasing intensity in the range of notes and rhythmic drive. The unusual style of writing is captivating and makes this an ideal piece to programme in any recital. Difficulty Guide: 8
Jake Heggie: Fury of Light for Flute and Piano
This substantial work is full of the beguiling melodies and strong passions that are the hallmarks of Jake Heggie’s style.. The opening ‘fast’ movement has both elements, with an expressive interlude breaking up the energy of the faster sections. The beautiful Elegy sings out and becomes increasingly animated before returning as before. Meditation opens with a lovely piano solo before the flute has another soaring line spanning the entire range, and the last movment, ‘very fast’, is a whirlwind of notes and emotions from both players. There are no extended techniques to master here and each movement would stand alone. This makes Fury of Light a very valuable and lovely piece of contemporary piece of music! Difficulty Guide: 8-9
Friedgund Gottsche-Niessner: Walpurgis Fantasie for Solo Alto Flute
This witches-inspired piece showcases the alto flute in an usual light. The dance is characterised by jazz-based rhythms and contemporary techniques that become increasingly powerful and end in a suitably dramatic fashion. It’s challenging, exciting, great fun, completely different and totally fascinating! Difficulty Guide: 9
Makoto Shinohara: Kassouga for Flute and Piano
The opening of this piece has the feel of an improvisation and is an eclectic mix of French ‘souple’ and Japanese folk style. The ‘vif et rythme’ is exciting. There is an urgency in the rhythm which, combined with the angularity of the writing, compels the music towards its conclusion. A technical workout for both instruments, this is as exhilarating to play as it is to listen to. It’s also great fun! Difficulty guide: 9