Everyone has to confront sadness at some point. Let this lovely music rescue and restore your soul and turn any sombre event into something really meaningful.
Compiled by Elisabeth Parry and John Alley: Still as the Night for Flute and Piano
All the pieces in this album have been chosen to soothe the soul. An interesting mix of Baroque gems, with Come unto Him from the Messiah a particular highlight, and stalwarts such as the slow movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto and the Pie Jesu from the Faure Requiem, means that there is something here for everyone. The arrangements are all excellent, as can be guaranteed from Elisabeth Parry, and work equally well with organ. Reflective music certainly but also suitable for anyone who loves to play a great tune. Difficulty Guide: 6-7
Hilary Taggart: Remember for Flute (or Soprano) and Piano
This lovely piece which is based on a poem by Christina Rosetti brings out all the emotion associated with the loss of a loved one. The text is heart-felt and the melody follows its contour so very effectively that is easy to see the rising and falling of the lines as you play. Hilary Taggart not only completely understands how to write for the flute but also how to accompany it, so the piano part adds to texture, supporting the flute to allow the lines to really sing. This is beautiful and simple, and very touching. Difficulty Guide: 6
Francis Poulenc: Un Joueur de flute berce les ruins for Solo Flute
This miniature Poulenc gem was discovered in 1997 and taken up by the American flute player Ransom Wilson. It’s haunting C minor melody weaves its way across the flute adding chromatic inflections to increase the colouring. Wilson suggests a repeat which is a very successful way to make the music hold its own in any concert. This is stunningly beautiful music of the highest quality and fabulous to play too! Difficulty Guide: 6
Claude Debussy: Syrinx for Solo Flute
Syrinx is one of the best pieces in the flute repertoire. Debussy weaves a spell which can be interpreted as a dramatic Pan narrative, or crafted into an alternative and beautiful aural patchwork which will delight the senses. This is absolute magic and one of the best pieces you will ever play! Difficulty Guide: 8
Amanda Harburg: Prayer for Flute and Piano
Amanda Harberg is renowned as a composer of challenging works for the flute but here she has produced a vignette of real beauty. The crafting of the melody brings out all the darker flute colours so that the soaring lines towards the end can effect a contrast and bring hope. This one will definitely clutch at your heart strings! Difficulty Guide: 7
Amanda Fox: In the Clouds for Flute and Piano
This is a really beautiful piece. Written after the death of her father, it combines a flowing accompaniment with a soaring melody that is both captivating and very moving. An absolute winner! Difficulty Guide: 6
