VIDEO: What better piece to listen to in January than the contemporary flute solo Winter Spirits. With Christmas tunes well behind us, this piece draws upon a very different sound world.
Category Archives: Exploring the solo flute
About the flute
The flute can turn air into many different, mesmerising sounds. Unlike reed instruments, there is no resistance for the player to blow against, the player themselves bends and shapes the air to create their best tone. It is hardly surprising that the flute has a special place in mythology, most notably the Greek God Pan (the subject of much music, including solo flute piece, Debussy’s Syrinx).
Honegger’s Danse de la chèvre
Danse de la chèvre (Dance of the Goat) was written by Arthur Honegger in 1921 as incidental music for dancer Lysana of Sacha Derek’s play La mauvaise pensée. The peaceful opening is troubled by the mysterious tone colour and prominent use of the tritone. The dance is suggested before it is in full swing. ItContinue reading “Honegger’s Danse de la chèvre”
Debussy’s Syrinx
This short impressionist piece has won the hearts of many flautists over the years. Maybe it is due to the lack of technical obstacles or the amount of space for interpretation. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that Syrinx uses the flute to paint a beautiful picture. The piece reflects greek mythology and theContinue reading “Debussy’s Syrinx”
Jessamy Robinson 