Duet for Flute and Piano (2024)
Duet for Flute and Piano is a joyful piece in three movements. The first movement has a slow intro that quickly transitions into a fast-paced melody with several chromatic gracenotes. This “A” section develops with several runs and range changes. After a powerful cadence, the piano transitions into the “B” section in 5/4. The bass line creates a lilting waltz feeling to support the flowing melody over top. Once the flute joins the mix, the music modulates and races to a halt for the cadenza. The flute runs through the cadenza with altered themes and arpeggios. Finally, the piano and the “A” section briefly return to end the movement.
The second movement of this piece is more solemn and sparse than the first movement. To begin, the flute plays the minor “A” theme with plenty of space between the phrases. Eventually, the piano introduces itself lightly before taking over the melody in a high range. After this piano solo, the left hand plays alberti bass, and the flute returns with the “B” theme. The two melodies interact with each other until the explosive flute runs. Later, the piece modulates several times until landing on the “A” theme again. This time, the piano is more involved. Finally, the “B” theme returns in a new tonality, and the piano finishes the movement with a soft cadence.
The final movement in this piece is lively and syncopated. It begins with punchy notes and quick runs. After the short introduction, the “A” theme appears and develops in the flute. Once the piano has had its turn with the “A” theme, some melodies from previous movements reappear and interact with other themes. These lines mingle until the punchy theme from the beginning of this movement interrupts in a new tonality. An intense run in the piano and flutter tongue in the flute leads the piece to the final cadenza. Here, the flute takes themes from earlier, quick arpeggios, and new twists to create tension leading up to the final return of the “A” theme.
Dur.: approx. 10 min.
*below is a MIDI recording
The second movement of this piece is more solemn and sparse than the first movement. To begin, the flute plays the minor “A” theme with plenty of space between the phrases. Eventually, the piano introduces itself lightly before taking over the melody in a high range. After this piano solo, the left hand plays alberti bass, and the flute returns with the “B” theme. The two melodies interact with each other until the explosive flute runs. Later, the piece modulates several times until landing on the “A” theme again. This time, the piano is more involved. Finally, the “B” theme returns in a new tonality, and the piano finishes the movement with a soft cadence.
The final movement in this piece is lively and syncopated. It begins with punchy notes and quick runs. After the short introduction, the “A” theme appears and develops in the flute. Once the piano has had its turn with the “A” theme, some melodies from previous movements reappear and interact with other themes. These lines mingle until the punchy theme from the beginning of this movement interrupts in a new tonality. An intense run in the piano and flutter tongue in the flute leads the piece to the final cadenza. Here, the flute takes themes from earlier, quick arpeggios, and new twists to create tension leading up to the final return of the “A” theme.
Dur.: approx. 10 min.
*below is a MIDI recording
Duet for Flute and Piano
$15.00
Duet for Flute and Piano is a three-movement piece for advanced players. The beginning of the piece is a bit slow, but it quickly changes tempo for a more up-beat feeling. The “A” theme in Movement I is a bit jazzy and busy with chromatic grace notes. In the “B” section, however, the time changes from 3/4 to 5/4 to create a lilting waltz feel. This 5/4 section leads to the first cadenza of the piece, then a brief return of the “A” theme. Movement II is in a loose sonata form. It begins with a slow and sparse introduction. Eventually, the piece grows more and more until the “B” theme takes a more energetic route. This develops with some exciting runs, but it slowly returns to the sparse beginnings. Movement III is the most lively movement of the piece. With an explosive entrance, the “A” theme begins. Throughout this movement, previous themes come back, and the work modulates more than before. An energetic cadenza begins after a thundering half-cadence. Once the flute has experimented with old themes and runs, the piano returns for a final “A” theme. The piece concludes with a powerful cadence.
See this link for a physical copy:
https://www.jwpepper.com/Duet-for-Flute-and-Piano/11576958.item
https://www.jwpepper.com/Duet-for-Flute-and-Piano/11576958.item