You are listening to the Third Movement of Sonata in G Minor by JS Bach
Sonata in G Minor, BWV1020 - JS Bach - published by IMC
Difficulty Rating D/E
(Scale of A-E for difficulty, A being easy and E being Aaaaah!)
It was a trick of Bach's to compose music not really typical of the instrument he was writing for. He did not trouble himself unnecessarily about the feats he was demanding of both the instrument and the player. Where flutes were concerned, he tended to overlook the little matter of breathing and left the players to survive as best they could. Suffice to say that for many people Bach's music is supreme. To quote Wagner - "Bach is the most stupendous miracle in all music!" The G minor Sonata is fairly typical of its time, having three movements. (quick, slow, Jolly quick) and has some melodies that will remind you of some of Bach's other works. It is certainly a piece worth considering for a recital.
Next month's review is Sonatine by Claude Arrieu (difficulty rating C)
Piece pour Flute Seul - Ibert - published by Leduc
Difficulty Rating D/E
(Scale of A-E for difficulty, A being easy and E being Aaaaah!)
This piece has an expansive expressiveness which is positively orchestral - rare in a solo piece. Both Moyse and Ibert were at a Parisian party, where someone asked Moyse to play something for them. Ibert observing Moyse's discomfort, offered to write something on the spot. Thus the "Piece" was written and premiered within the hour. (contributed by Dominy Clements.)
Suite Antique - John Rutter - published by Oxford University Press
Difficulty Rating Overall 'D'
(Scale of A-E for difficulty, A being easy and E being Aaaaah!)
1. Prelude - a lovely haunting movement.
2. Ostinato - a brilliantly rhythmic and melodic movement.
3. Aria - an extremely moving movement that has a wonderful vocal-like theme. Very Cantabile.
4. Waltz - there's always something that gives the game away in a reproduction and this is it - a Jazz Waltz!
5. Chanson - another "to-die-for" movement.
6. Rondeau - A movement with loads of energy that finishes off the Suite antique perfectly.
Rutter is best known for his special interest in composing for young people and amateurs. The Suite Antique dates from 1979 and was written as a homage to the forms and styles of Bach's day. Each movement is refreshing and would stand on its own as a recital piece. The third and fourth movements are particularly succesful coupled together. I have never heard of any listener at a recital, (no matter how deep their interest in music) that did not enjoy this piece of music immensely. (It's as equally great fun to play!)
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