Why not celebrate by enjoying these outstanding flute pieces by influential Black composers!
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George: Sonata No 1 in B flat major for Flute and Piano
This two movement work by the little-known black Baroque composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, is utterly charming. The first movement is elegant with simple phrasing and nimble passagework. The minuet is stronger in outlook with a minor key trio section that has a wistful gentleness. Matt Johnson’s transcription works really well and the whole work is really quite delightful! Difficulty Guide: 6-7
Adolphus Hailstork: The Pied Piper of Harlem for Solo Flute
The African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork has taken the familiar story of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn and turned it into something new and wonderful! ‘Here Come De Piper’ announces the hero with a flourish of trills which give way to a jazz-like 6/8. ‘…Wid A Twinkle In His Eye’ has all the characteristics of a spiritual, and ‘Git On Board (The A Train) Li’l Children’ is upbeat with an improvisatory feel. Unusual, approachable and fun! Difficulty Guide: 6-7
H. Leslie Adams: Danza di Tre Bambole (Dance of the Three Dolls) for Flute, Piccolo and Piano
This is a lovely piece which really does sound like dolls dancing! The flute takes the main part supported by a flowing piano accompaniment and colourful interjections from the piccolo. Well within the scope of three good students, this would make a great end-of-year concert winner. Difficulty Guide: 7-8
Robert Nathaniel Dett: Adagio cantabile for Flute Choir
This lovely piece originally for piano has been sensitively transcribed to complement the contours of the melody. The textures used are centred round the lower registers of all the flutes with only a short moment of emotional pull which takes the first flute into third octave. Together with the darker colour of five flats, this gives the work a gravitas which is often challenging to achieve. This is beautiful music that will be a welcome moment of calm in any flute choir concert. Difficulty Guide: 6-7
Undine Smith Moore: Afro-American Suite for Flute, Cello and Piano
Undine Smith Moore has based this Suite on authentic American spirituals or ‘sorrow songs’ of the enslaved peoples. This combination of instruments is perfect for the soul-searching character of her music which seems to come right from the heart. ‘Nobody knows’ is plaintive and moving, ‘Heard the Preaching is more upbeat with a very positive ending, “Who is that yonder” uses the alto flute to great effect, and Shout All Over Over God’s Heaven uses a jazz-influences and high flute writing to bring the work to a sparkling conclusion. Highly recommended! Difficulty Guide: 7-8
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