Music for Flute and Keyboard

Reflections on Brother James's Air

score available in sampler

contents

Meditation on For the Beauty of the Earth

Duration: 1'40"
Instrumentation: flute and piano
Description: The flute solo works its way through For the Beauty with added scale passages and simple diversions. Pastoral character, great for interlude or offertory. Easy to medium difficulty.

contents

Variations on a French Carol

To score excerpts and MIDI/mp3 files

The piece itself is a continuous theme and variation set. Following the theme in 2/4, the first variation dances along in 5/8, with elements of the theme ornamented in a playful manner. The second variation is a more tranquil 6/8, with the clear presence of the theme. The ensueing variation has a slower-moving statement of the theme in the piano, with the flute reprising the arpeggiated texture of the previous movement in the piano. Following the return of the opening statement of the theme, a codetta reminds us of variations 2 and 3.  The piece may only be 3 minutes long, but both flute and piano have some satisfying challenges in store.

contents

Gilead Variations

score | mp3

Duration: 4'20"
Instrumentation: flute and piano
Description: A lyrical set of four variations on There is a Balm in Gilead. The first variation, in F major, alternates between straightforward presentation of portions of the theme and short fantasies and comments on that material. After it works its way through the theme, it modulates to A-flat major and the beginning of the next variation.

The second variation brings a moment of relaxation to the work. The left hand of the piano simply alternates between two pitches, except for a couple of climax points, where the two-note pattern temporarily moves away higher or lower by a third, and then quickly returns to its a-flat home. The theme is less obvious in this variation than in the previous. This variation was expanded in Gilead, a movement for mezzo-soprano, cello, and piano, and and then further modified in Gilead for Choir. Please also see the comments in my blog at Andante Grazioso.

The third movement is the shortest of the four, and presents only the second half of the theme. The flute takes a break during this variation, but soon returns as we head for the closing variation. For those who keep track of such things, each successive variation is a minor third higher than the previous one. There's no technical or theoretical reason why it had to be done this way; I wanted the sense of freshness that comes with a key change, but wished to avoid more traditional key shifts in the hope of, well, being somewhat original!

The final variation returns to a fuller texture, and in many ways is a variation of the opening variation (OK--even though I want to be original, I do like a sense of return to bring closure to my music).

contents

Jesus Loves Me (Variations)

score available in sampler

Duration: 3 minutes
Instrumentation: flute and organ
Description: A continuous variation set on this familiar tune. The opening variation is a bright, dancing 5/8, followed by a reflective variation in 4/4, with a clear statement of the melody (somewhat fragmented in the opening section). The 5/8 returns, now in F major (as opposed to the opening D major). Although it begins just like the opening section, this variation is more extended, and material found formerly in the flute part moves to the organ and vice versa. A final transition moves to A-flat major, again in 5/8 and again starting like the beginning. A quiet code brings the piece to a reflective close. Both instruments have challenging parts. The interplay between instruments places a premium on ensemble work. Risks are rewarded.

contents

Meditation on Jesus Loves Me

score available in sampler

Duration: 2'30"
Instrumentation: flute and organ
Description: More lyrical than my other setting of Jesus Loves Me, this piece works its way through the tune once over the course of two and a half minutes. The organ provides a murmuring eighth-note accompaniment, while the flute plays gently with the melody. Towards the end, there is a slight canon between organ pedal and flute. This 12/8 work is of medium difficulty and would work well as prelude, interlude or offertory.

contents

Saint Anthony Variations

scores of each movement available in sampler

Duration: 11'30"
Instrumentation: flute, organ
Description: An extended set of six sectional variations. I've long enjoyed Johannes Brahms' variations on this theme, and decided to try my own hand (please be gentle with the comparisons). The theme follows an a-a-b-a form with some extension on the tonic of the final a material.

• Introduction with Theme. After an intro on the organ (the material comes back later) the flute enters with the first a section of the theme. The organ left hand presents the repeat. The flute presents the b material, against the introductory material in the organ. The final a is a recap of the opening a, with both instruments playing the introductory material, which segues to the...
• Commentary. The theme is not easily found, but provides a background for much of the melodic material. The flute leads the first a, the organ the second. The flute takes the lead in b and the return of a. Then the organ leads on a repeated a, not found in the original theme, with various extensions that lead toward...
• Monologue. The organ provides minimalist repeated figures and some pedal points, while the flute takes the melody even farther from the theme. This is probably my favorite movement, although it's a real challenge making the beat clear for the flautist. The piece again ends rather open, heading towards...
• Minuet. The organ starts, as though it's providing the lead, but the flute soon enters and takes over. The relationship of melody to theme is much clearer. This simple, clear texture leads to...
• Chorale. Finally the organ has the melody--a clear restatement of the theme--while the flute provides a playful countermelody. The flute leads on the repeat of the a material. The form plays out straightforwardly, with the organ leading on b, and the flute on the return of a. In keeping with the other movements, transitional material leads to...
• Toccata. If the musicians found the Monologue to be hard, this movement is downright difficult. The pedal has lots of parallel fifths (I've never gotten over the trauma of my Harmony I class!), while the manuals have fast-moving toccata-like figures (remember the title of the movement?). The flute melody is a little slower, but still nicely active. At one point, the flute joins the toccata, but soon returns to a more reflective melody. Coordination is critical, and quite challenging. At the end, the a section of the theme reappears, followed by the introductory material of the first movement. The piece ends with a flourish.

While not an easy piece, it's lots of fun to play, and very satisfying as the challenging spots come into focus. Be sure to visit the sampler to see and, if you like, download the score.

contents

There is a Dream That Thrills God's Heart

Duration: 5 min
Instrumentation: flute and organ
Description: A continuous variation set on the tune Bray. The tune was used by Thomas Troeger as a setting for a hymn he wrote celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Louisville Seminary. My variations were written for a service where we were introducing the hymn and hymn tune.

contents

Title

Duration:
Instrumentation:
Description: