The Nielsen flute Concerto was written for Holger Gilbert-Jespersen, the flautist of a wind quartet Nielsen had previously composed for. The piece is thought to reflect his changeable character, with tension, humour and anger alongside beautiful melodies. Here is a rehearsal of the first movement of one of my favourite pieces
Tag Archives: flute
Flute & Composer Collaboration
have workshopped a number of student compositions, giving them tips on idiomatic or practical writing for the flute. There are things both the composer and the flautist need to be aware of.
VIDEO: In Ireland by Hamilton Harty
In Ireland has a firm place in the hearts of many flautists. Starting with wandering street musicians and a beautiful soaring melody moving to a far away light dance, and coming home with a fast exciting jig.
Planning Your Wedding Music
guide on how to start planning your wedding music – what, when and tips
VIDEO: Winter Spirits
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.
Year in the Life – one second a day
If you are wondering what the day to day life of a very specific combination of musician, flute teacher, music college master’s student and concert steward looks like then check this out! It is my year in a second a day (nearly everyday since last September!). Or just check out the bitesize version on my instagram – it is a year in less than a minute.
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).
A Musical Timeline
Music History at a glance with an increasing number of links to biographies and composer information (including what they did for the flute)
Playing with others
There are different skills and attitudes for chamber groups and orchestras, but it is worth thinking about how you play with other people, no matter how many there are.
Articulation on the flute
Articulation – coordination, technique, troubleshooting, double tonguing, triple tonguing, clarity, common problems…