The Flautist Blog
Tone: Why is it important and what are the fundamental ingredients of a beautiful sound.
Tone on the flute is a very personal thing. Every player has their likes and dislikes and dreams of how they would like to sound as well. Why is tone so important? Because it is the tool we communicate with the listener with and the tool we use to portray the...
Vocalisations – a Great Warm Up Tool.
Using the voice, vocal production, and lyrics to help flute players produce a beautiful tone and expression. Our most natural instrument is our voice and the instrument closest to our musical soul. It makes sense to me to explore and use it as much as possible to...
Stephen Preston on Baroque Performance
The Baroque period of performance can be quite challenging for a Boehm system player. Our flute offers so much beauty tone wise but can make things more difficult for us ornamentation wise. I have wanted to do a blog on performance in Baroque music for a long time,...
Conversation in music performance.
There is so much that goes into interpreting a composer’s wishes. One aspect which is intertwined with storytelling is the conversations between musical parts. The Mel Bonis sonata for flute first movement is a beautiful example of the importance of being aware of the...
Story Telling in a Flute Performance
There are a few different ways and aspects to storytelling as a performer. Firstly , the player should endeavour to understand the composer, his life and any information about the piece they are playing. Secondly, use a backtrack or recording to understand the piano...
Learning from Baroque
Listening to artists and recordings that make one think as a player and musician. Baroque period performance and its challenges for a Boehm system player. I like to continually question and open my mind and musicality to new thoughts and possible directions. It really...
Pieces
Here are a some of the flute pieces.
Hope you enjoy them
Albert Roussel: Jouers de Flute – Krishna
Jouers de Flute - Krishna by Albert RousselEileen Gilligan Flute and Alex Raineri Piano - Jouers de Flute - Krishna I love this piece , the third in the Jouers de Flute (the flute players) dedicated to Louis Fleury. Louis Fleury was an important part and contributor...
Lukasz Wos – Suite No. 2 Aria
Suite No. 2 Aria by Lukasz WozEileen Gilligan Flute and Alex Raineri Piano - Suite No. 2 Aria Aria is from Suite No 2 for flute and piano by Polish composer Lukasz Wos. He was born in 1967 and has written flute and piano Sonatas, a flute Fantasie some flute duos and...
Camille Saint-Saens – Romance Op. 37
Romance Op. 37 by Camille Saint-SaensEileen Gilligan and Alex Raineri - Romance Op.37 The Romance is very French School, and was composed after the Franco - Prussia conflict. Written for French flautist Amedee de Vroye and performed in Baden -Baden ,Germany by him and...
Astor Piazzolla – Libertango
Libertango by Astor PiazzollaEileen Gilligan & Alex Raineri - Libertango Change of pace for this release but still a story to tell. To set the scene, the ladies need a red dress with a split to the waist , black stockings and high heels and a fresh red rose in the...
Cecile Chaminade – Concertino Op. 107
Concertino Opus 107 by Cecile ChaminadeEileen Gilligan & Alex Raineri - Concertino Opus 107 This piece is one of my favourites for many reasons. It is like an epic romance novel. A massive romantic theme, lots of passion, flirtations and romantic dalliances in the...
Sergi Rachmaninoff – Vocalise
Vocalise by Sergi RachmaninoffEileen Gilligan & Alex Raineri - Vocalise The vocalise by Sergei Rachmaninoff is without a doubt one of the hardest pieces I have ever played. The musical lines are so long and always going somewhere powerful. It is an exhausting...
Giacomo Puccini – O Mio Babbino Caro
O mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo PucciniEileen Gilligan & Alex Raineri - O Mio Babbino Caro This Aria is so beautiful and fantastic to learn from. It has so much to offer. There is a story to tell, the words are expressive and open up space in the mouth for tonal...
Albert Roussel – Tityre
Tityre by Albert RousselEileen Gilligan & Alex Raineri - Joueurs de Flute - Tityre Tityre is the second movement of the Jouers de flute( the flute players) by Albert Roussel. Each one of the four movements is dedicated to a prominent French School flute player of...
Camille Saint-Saens – The Swan
The Swan by Camille Saint-SaensEileen Gilligan and Alex Raineri -The Swan The Swan is number 48 in the Tone Development Through Interpretation book by Moyse and a must to play and work on. There are quite a few things to think about and I may have some suggestions...
Ennio Morricone – D’Amore si Amore
D'Amore si Amore by Ennio MorriconeD'Amore si Muore. Ennio Morricone - Eileen Gilligan and Alex Raineri There are many reasons why I chose this. It is an excellent way to practice words, expression and phrasing. In this case variations on "love you " all the way...
Albert Roussel – Pan Joueurs de Flute
Pan Joueurs de Flute by Albert RousselEach of the Joueurs de Flute has a mythological theme and the God Pan is this one. Pan was half man and half goat. He wasn't the most handsome of creatures and was the God of nature. He had a penchant for chasing the nymphs and in...
Claude Debussy – La Plus que Lente
La Plus que Lente by Claude DebussyLa Plus que Lente (the more than slow) waltz by Claude Debussy was written in 1910 after his Preludes book 1. It was originally written for piano but has over the years has been adapted to many instruments and in different keys and...
Francis Poulenc – Hommage a Edith Piaf
Hommage a Edith Piaf by Francis PoulencThe Improvisations are fifteen short works for piano, none lasting more than three and a half minutes, and most not even half that length.But just as historical perspective has recognized the startling originality of Poulenc’s...
Maurice Ravel – Bolero
Bolero by Maurice RevelBefore he left for a triumphant tour of North America in January 1928, Maurice Ravel had agreed to write a Spanish-flavoured ballet score for his friend, the Russian dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein (1885-1960). The idea was to create an...
J S Bach – BWV 1031 Sonata in E Flat Major
Sonata in E Flat MAjor BWV 1031 by J S BachSonata in E Flat MAjor by J S BachThe Sonata in E♭ major for flute and harpsichord, probably by J. S. Bach (BWV 1031), is a sonata in 3 movements: * Allegro moderato (in E♭ major) * Siciliano (in G minor) – unusually, this...
Francis Poulenc – Les Chemins de L’Amour
Les Chemins de L'Amour by Francis PoulencLes Chemins de L'Amour by Francis PoulencShortly after the 1940 Nazi invasion of France, Francis Poulenc was asked to write incidental music for a light drama by Jean Anouilh, Léocadia. It starred the celebrated French actress...
Arabesque No 1 by Claude Debussy
Arabesque No 1 by Claude DebussyArabesque by Claude DebussyMs. de la Pejaudie is the last of the four pieces and is dedicated to Gaubert. The first three are themed on mythology like the God Pan. Arabesque in musical terms refers to changes in tempo and highly...
Ms. de la Pejaudie by Albert Roussel
Monsieur de la Pejaudie by Albert RousselMonsieur de la Pejaudie by Albert RousselMs. de la Pejaudie is the last of the four pieces and is dedicated to Gaubert. The first three are themed on mythology like the God Pan. Ms. de la Pejaudie is the hero of Henri de...
J. S. Bach – Concerto in F Minor BWV 1056 Largo
Concerto in F Minor BWV 1056 largo by J. S. BachConcerto in F Minor BWV 1056 J.S.Bach- LargoThis Largo, also called Arioso by Bach from the harpsichord concerto is the other piece I have loved from a far for a very long while. I finally decided to play and record it....
Lucio Dalla – Caruso
Caruso by Lucio DallaCaruso by Lucio DallaThe song simply tells about the pain and longings of a man who is about to die while he is looking into the eyes of a girl who was very dear to him. The lyrics contain various subtle references to people and places in Caruso's...
Francesco Sartori – Time to Say Goodbye
Time to Say Goodbye by Francesco SartoriTime to say goodbye by Francesco Sartori"Con te partirò" (Italian: [kon ˈte ppartiˈrɔ]; "With You I Shall Depart") is an Italian song written by Francesco Sartori (music) and Lucio Quarantotto (lyrics). It was first performed by...
Takatsugu Muramatsu – The Voice of an Angel
The Voice of an Angel by Takatsugu MuramatsuThe Voice of an Angel by TakaTsugu MuramatsuAngel is probably my favourite vocalisation and just an example of how gravitation to playing melodies has really helped me develop my tone , style and voice. Part of that voice is...
Claude Debussy – Petite Suite En Bateau
Petite Suite En Bateau by Claude DebussyPetite Suite: En Bateau by Claude Debussy 1685 - 1759One third of the art songs Debussy composed were settings of the poems of Paul Verlaine (1844-1896). The first movements of the Petite suite are drawn from two poems of...
George Frideric Handel – HWV374 Sonata in A Minor
Sonata in A Minor HWV374 by George Frideric HandelSonata in A Minor HWV 374 1st Movement Adagio Sonata in A Minor HWV 374 2nd Movement Allegro Sonanta in A Minor HWV 374 3rd Movement AdagioSonanta in A Minor HWV 374 4th Movement AllegroSonata in A Minor by George...
Gary Schocker – Regrets and Resolutions
Regrets & Resolutions by Gary SchockerRegrets and Resolutions by Gary SchockerGary Schocker American flute player is also a pianist, harpist, prolific composer and a talented teacher.Born into a musical family in Easton, Pennsylvania, Schocker began his musical...
Concerto de Aranjuez Adagio Theme by Joaquin Rodrigo
Concerto de Aranjuez: Adagio Theme by Joaquin RodrigoConcerto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo 1901-1999Joaquin Rodrigo was born on November 22, 1901 in Sagunto, Valencia, Spain. At the age of three, Rodrigo contracted Diphtheria, due to which he almost lost his...
Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy
Clair de Lune by Claude DebussyClair de lune by claude debussy Claude Debussy was born as Achille-Claude Debussy. He is one of the most notable and influential French musical composers that has ever lived. At the turn of the 20th century he was one of the most...
Schindler’s List by John Williams
Schindler's List by John WilliamsB ackground In a career that spans five decades, John Williams has become one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and for the concert stage. He has served as music director and laureate conductor of one of...
Romance Op 23 by Amy Beach
Romance Op 23 by Amy BeachBackground Known as the first female composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra (her “Gaelic” Symphony, premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896), she was also one of the first U.S. composers to have her music be...
Flute Sonata Andantino Con Moto by Mel Bonis
Flute Sonata Andantino Con Moto by Mel BonisBackground Mel Bonis started to compose at the age of 16 and at this age she was also introduced to César Franck who gave her piano lessons and showed a great interest in her first compositions. At 17 she attended the...
Fantasie Op 79 by Gabriel Faure
Fantasie Op 79 by Gabriel FaureBackground The Fantasie was commissioned by and dedicated to Paul Taffanel in 1898 for the "Concours de flute", a flute competition held by the Conservatoire de Paris. Taffanel, who took over a flute class in 1893, regularly commissioned...
Pavane Op 50 by Gabriel Faure
Pavane Op 50 by Gabriel FaureBackground The work was written for orchestra, but Faure went on to pen an arrangement that included a choir, although only the original version remains in regular performance today. It’s thought that Fauré probably added the chorus at the...
The Little Adventurer from Children’s Dream by Luis Barroso
Luis Barroso was born in Madrid in 1960. He studied composition at the Superior Conservatory of Music in Madrid where he also studied modern harmony, arrangements, and music for audio-visuals. He is a versatile composer; his music covers different genres and styles.
Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Giacomo PucciniPuccini started writing the opera Turandot in 1920, after being inspired by the 18th-century play Turandot by Count Carlo Gozz. however he died before finishing so the opera was completed by Franco Alfano.‘Nessun Dorma’ is...
Memories and Heartbeats by Jon Raybould
Memories and Heartbeats by Jon RaybouldMemories and Heartbeats by Jon Raybould Jon Raybould is based in central England has been a flutist and music teacher for over 40 years. After studying flute at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the late 1970s, he became a...
Divertissement Grec by Philippe Gaubert
Divertissement Grec by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Divertissement Grec by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Beginning with Paul Taffanel and the introduction of the silver Boehm system flute in the mid- nineteenth century, the French Flute School of flute playing refers to the...
Sonata in E major BWV1035 by J. S. Bach
Sonata in E major BWV 1035 for Flute and Continuo by J.S. Bach 1685-1750Adagio Ma Non TantoAdagio ma non tanto is the first movement of the E Major SonataThis movement to me is quite vocal in melodic line and I approach it as such. I use this movement to help...
Suite Antique: Prelude by John Rutter
Suite Antique: Prelude by John RutterBackground Born on 24 September 1945 in London, John Rutter was educated at Highgate School, where a fellow pupil was the future composer, John Tavener. At school, Rutter already loved to sing and compose. John Rutter’s music...
Suite Antique: Chanson by John Rutter
Suite Antique: Chanson by John RutterBackground Born on 24 September 1945 in London, John Rutter was educated at Highgate School, where a fellow pupil was the future composer, John Tavener. At school, Rutter already loved to sing and compose. John Rutter’s music...
Cantabile and Presto by George Enescu
Cantabile and Presto by George EnescuCantabile and Presto by George Enescu I dare say that everything came from the bottom of my heart!Romanian violinist, conductor, teacher and composer, George Enescu, began to play the piano when he was 4, taking lessons with a...
Song for Wibb by Clifford Benson
Song for Wibb by Clifford BensonSong For Wibb by Clifford Benson Clifford Benson was a pianist highly acclaimed for his sensitivity, outstanding musicianship and strong feeling for poetry and colour. He enjoyed a varied career of performing, recording, teaching and...
Love Wind by PJ
Love Wind by PJLove Wind by PJ Empress Ki is a Netflix series that depicts the loves and battles of Empress Ki who exercises her influence in the Yuan Dynasty.The series revolves around Ki Seungnyang, a Goryeo-born woman who ascends to power despite the restrictions...
Suite Antique: Aria by John Rutter
Suite Antique: Aria by John RutterBackground Born on 24 September 1945 in London, John Rutter was educated at Highgate School, where a fellow pupil was the future composer, John Tavener. At school, Rutter already loved to sing and compose. John Rutter’s music embraces...
Apes Un Reve Op 7 by Gabriel Faure
Apres Un Reve (After a Dream) Op 7 by Gabriel FaureBackground This mélodie is the first in a set of three songs, opus 7, which also comprises Hymne and Barcarolle. All three were composed between 1870 and 1877, then collected and published in 1878 under the title...
Presto Giocoso by Francis Poulenc
Presto Giocoso by Francis PoulencBackground One of the great melodists of the twentieth century, Poulenc, was largely self-taught as a composer. He was most noted for his melodies, grace, wit, irony and sentiment. In the early 1920s he belonged to the Paris-based...
Evening Primrose by Takasuke Ono
Evening Primrose "Yoimachigusa" by Tadasuke OnoBackground Tadasuke Ono was a violinist born 1885 and died 1929. He was educated at the Tokyo Academy of Music. There is not much more to be told about him. There are a few vocal recordings of this song Yoimachigusa...
Syrinx by Claude Debussy
Syrinx by Claude Debussy 1862-1918Syrinx Debussy wrote Syrinx in 1913 it was the first solo flute composition for the Boehm flute. He was well set up to create a beautiful solo piece. Syrinx explored the new tone colours that could be created and became a showcase for...
Frederic Weatherly: Danny Boy
Danny Boy by Frederic Weatherly In 1910, in Bath, Somerset, Frederic Weatherly initially wrote the words to "Danny Boy" to a tune other than "Londonderry Air". After his Irish-born sister-in-law Margaret Enright Weatherly in the United States sent him a copy of...
Edward Elgar: Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Matin by Edward ElgarChanson de Matin The violin was Elgar’s main instrument, he wrote for violin with great elegance and expression. Chanson de Matin (Morning Song) is the companion piece to (Chanson de Nuit) Night Song. Chanson de Matin proved to be the...
Sonata for Flute & Piano Allegretto Malincolico by Francis Poulenc
Sonata For Flute and Piano: Allegretto Malincolico by Francis PoulencSonata For Flute And Piano: Allegretto Malincolico by Francis Poulenc 1899-1963Poulenc is one of the great melodists of the twentieth century. He was a self-taught composer and was most noted for his...
Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
Ave Maria by Franz Schubertave maria by Franz Schubert 1797-1826Schubert composed more than 600 songs – taking the art of writing German Lieder to a new plane – as well as seven completed symphonies, chamber music and piano sonatas. He composed with an astonishing...
Sonata for Flute & Piano Cantilena by Francis Poulenc
Cantilena by Francis PoulencCantilena by Francis Poulenc 1899-1963One of the great melodists of the twentieth century, Poulenc was largely self-taught as a composer. He was most noted for his melodies, grace, wit ,irony and sentiment. In the early 1920s he belonged...
Greensleeves by Vaughan Williams
Fantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughan WilliamsFantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958Vaughan Williams once commented, "The art of music above all arts is the expression of the soul of the nation". In this piece, he manages to capture the very...
Ave Maria by Astor Piazzolla
Ave Maria by Astor Piazzollaave maria by Astor Piazzolla 1921-1992Astor Piazzolla was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Astor’s parents worked long hours and he often spent a great deal of time alone. His father bought him a bandoneon at a pawn shop to keep him busy....
Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Faure
Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Fauré 1845-1924Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Fauré 1845-1924Born in Pamiers, France in 1845, the focus of Fauré's early training was church music and the organ. He entered the Niedermeyer School of Religious Music in Paris, where during...
Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert
Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Beginning with Paul Taffanel and the introduction of the silver Boehm system flute in the mid- nineteenth century, the French Flute School of flute playing refers to the use of vibrato,...
Lensky’s Aria from Eugene Onegin by Peter Tchaikovsky
lensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskylensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1840-1893Lensky’s Aria is from Peter IIyich Tchaikovsky’s 1879 opera Eugene Onegin based on Pushkin’s novel of the same name.For more on Tchaikovsky here is a profile:Click Here The...
La De Drummond by Jacques Duphly
La de Drummond by Jacques DuphlyLa de Drummond by Jacques Duphly 1715-1789Jacques Duphly is best known for the four collections of harpsichord pieces he published in Paris between 1744 and 1768. These are spirited works, finely crafted in the tradition of Francois...
Ave Maria by Giulio Caccini
Ave Maria by Giulio Cacciniave maria by Giulio Caccini 1551-1618Caccini was an important Italian composer of the early Baroque era, noted for his songs and opera Euridice. He lead the way in establishing the new monodic style( a solo vocal style distinguished by...
The Serious Doll by Edward Elgar
the serious doll by Edward Elgar 1857-1934the serious doll by edward elgar 1857-1934 The Nursery Suite is one of the last compositions by Edward Elgar. Like Elgar's Wand of Youth suites, it makes use of sketches from the composer's childhood.There are seven movements...
Four Romantic Pieces Op 75 No.1 by Antonin Dvorak
Four Romantic pieces Op 75 no.1 by Anton Dvorak 1841-1904four romantic pieces op 75 no.1 by anton dvorak 1841-1904 Anton Dvořák composed his cycle of four Romantic Pieces, Op. 75, B. 150, for violin and piano in January 1887. These four pieces are arranged from his...
Aria by Eugene Bozza
Aria by Eugene BozzaBackgroundEugene Bozza was a French composer and violinist who wrote most notably chamber music for wind instruments. He also wrote 5 symphonies, operas, ballets, and large choral works as a well as chansons, concertos and many works for large...
Earth for Flute and Piano by Takatsugu Muramatsu
Earth for flute and piano by Takatsugu MuramatsuEarth for flute and piano by Takatsugu Muramatsu Takatsugu Muramatsu was born in 1978, in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Made his debut with the original piano solo album “Window” while in high school. Graduated from...
Romance No 2 Op 94 by Robert Schumann
Romance No 2 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856Romance No 2 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856 Robert Schumann is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. His life was troubled with manic bouts of depression, and this is quite evident...
Romance No 3 Op 94 by Robert Schumann
Romance No 3 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856Romance No 3 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856 Robert Schumann is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. His life was troubled with manic bouts of depression, and this is quite evident...
Songs My Mother Taught Me by Antonin Dvorak
Songs My Mother Taught Me by Anton Dvorak 1841 -1904Songs My Mother Taught Me by Anton Dvorak 1841 -1904 Dvořák’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me" is from his 1880 song cycle Gypsy Songs. A folk style, lilting, and nostalgic selection with soulful lyrics speaking to a...
Andante in C Major, K315. By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Andante in C Major, K315. By Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAndante in C Major, K315. By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791Christened Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, he was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg.His father, Leopold Mozart was a native of...
Romance No 1 Op 94 by Robert Schumann
Romance No 1 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856Romance No1 Op 94 by Robert Schumann 1810 - 1856Robert Schumann is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. His life was troubled with manic bouts of depression and this is quite evident in...
Salut D’Amour by Edward Elgar
Salut D’Amour by Edward Elgar 1857-1934Salut D’Amour Edward Elgar 1857-1934Salut d’Amour, Op. 12, was composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1888. He completed the composition in July 1888, at a time when he was romantically involved with Caroline Alice Roberts, whom he...
Ave Maria by Charles Gounod
Ave Maria by Charles Gounodave maria by charles gounod 1818-1893Ave Maria is a popular setting of the Latin prayer “Hail Mary”. Charles Gounod superimposed a melody on a slightly changed version of J.S. Bach Prelude no1 in C Major BWV 846 from Book1 of his...
Serenade by Arthur Woodall
Serenade by Arthur Woodall 1873-1952Serenade by Arthur Woodall 1873-1952Arthur Woodall was born November 30, 1873, at 5 Boscobel St, Tipton, Staffordshire, England to Joseph Woodall and his wife Sarah. At the age of 17 he was listed in the census as an ironworker. Ten...
Sonata in C major BWV1033 by J. S. Bach
Sonata in C major BWV 1033 by J.S. Bach 1685-1750J. S. Bach Sonata in C major BWV 1033 for flute and continuo Composed in 1736 in the Baroque Period.Andante PrestoAllegroAdagioMenuett I & IIThis flute sonata in C major lies in the list of works that have...
Guides
Here are a number of guides for flute pieces. Some are restricted to subscription members.
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 47a
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse No 47a Extract from Oberon by Carl Maria von WeberPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 02
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 2 Extract from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano DonizettiPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 61
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 61 Extract from Werther Entr’acte Act 4 by Jules Massenet Purpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 65
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 65 Extract from Mors et Vita by Charles GounodPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 04
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 4: Air Russe Purpose of These ExtractsThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by exploring operatic arias and...
Flute Guide Lensky’s Aria by Peter Tchaikovsky
Pieces Guidelensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskylensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1840-1893Why Choose Lensky's Aria by Peter Tchaikovsky?Listening to a vocal interpretation of this Aria is so helpful to understanding this musically. The Aria calls for a...
Babel Flute Tone Development No 33
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 33 Extract from The Last Rose of Summer transcribed by Edward BuntingPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato,...
Babel Flute Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Faure
Pieces Guide:Morceau de Concours by Gabriel FaureThe Piece: Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Fauré. 1845-1924Why choose Morceau de Concours?Working through “Tone Development Through Interpretation” by Marcel Moyse has been invaluable to gain tonal clarity and phrasing...
Pieces Guide John Rutter – Suite Antique
Pieces Guide:Suite Antique by John RutterThe Piece: John Rutter: Suite Antique AriaChansonThe Guide: John Rutter Suite Antique Suite Antique is a 1979 concertante work written for harpsichord, flute and string orchestra. Rutter composed the...
Pieces Guide Gabriel Faure – Apes un Reve
Pieces GuideApes un reve (After a Dream) by Gabriel FaureApes un Reve by Gabriel Faure 1845-1924Why Choose Apes un reve by Gabriel Faure? It is so important to tell a story with all performances. Some are easier to decipher than others. Making the effort to really...
Taffanel & Gaubert Complete Method for the Flute
Complete MEthod for Flute Volume 2 by Taffanel & GaubertFrom two prolific flautists of all time, Claude-Paul Taffanel and Philippe Gaubert 's Complete Method of the Flute provides an essential and well-informed aid to Flute studies. With notes in French,...
Example Guide The Serious Doll by Edward Elgar
the serious doll by Edward Elgar 1857-1934the serious doll by edward elgar 1857-1934 Why Choose The Serious DollI have chosen to play from the piano version of this Suite. I have taken the right-hand melodic line. The reason I have chosen this melody apart, from the...
Pieces Guide: Claude Debussy – Syrinx
Pieces Guide:Syrinx by Claude Debussy 1862-1918Syrinx by Claude Debussy 1862-1918Why Choose Syrinx by Claude Debussy?“Music is the expression of the movement of the waters, the play of curves described by changing breezes.” Although the solo flute can create a wide...
Pieces Guide Yumi Matsutoya – Haru yo koi Come Spring
Pieces Guide:Haru yo koi: Come Spring by Yumi MatsutoyaPiece: Haru yo koi: Come Spring by Yumi Matsutoya 1954- Why Choose Come SpringHaru Yo Koi or Come Spring is a wonderful melody to play and again can be used as a vocalisation. This wasn't chosen for any particular...
Tone Development Through Interpretation Page 78 No E1
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Page 78 No E1 Purpose of These ExercisesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by exploring operatic arias and string...
Tone Development Through Interpretation Page 78 D1
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Page 78 D1 & D2 Purpose of These ExercisesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by exploring operatic arias and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 09
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse No 9 Extract from Oberon by Carl Maria von WeberPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation Page 74 No 20G
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Page 74 No 20G Purpose of These ExercisesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by exploring operatic arias and...
Example Guide Claude Debussy – Syrinx
Pieces Guide:Syrinx by Claude Debussy 1862-1918Syrinx by Claude Debussy 1862-1918Why Choose Syrinx by Claude Debussy?“Music is the expression of the movement of the waters, the play of curves described by changing breezes.” Although the solo flute can create a wide...
Foundation Tools Vocalisations
Foundation Tools: VocalisationsBy Eileen Gilligan These are the Harmonics tools for the foundation of flute playing. We will add to them over time but start with the following: The links at the bottom of the page take you to additional pages focused on the Core...
Foundation Tools Harmonics
Foundation Tools: HarmonicsBy Eileen Gilligan These are the Harmonics tools for the foundation of flute playing. We will add to them over time but start with the following: The links at the bottom of the page take you to additional pages focused on the Core Tools,...
Foundation Tools Introduction
Foundation Tools: Core ToolsBy Eileen Gilligan These are the core tools for the foundation of flute playing. We will add to them over time but start with the following: The links at the bottom of the page take you to additional pages focused on Harmonics,...
Pieces Guide Tadasuke Ohno – Evening Primrose
Pieces Guide:Evening Primrose Yoimachigusa by Tadasuke OhnoThe Piece: Evening Primrose by Tadasuke Ohno Why Choose Evening Primrose? I have chosen this as an extension exercise to a few of the Foundation Tool exercises in the Flautist series. I feel there needs to be...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 11
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 11 Summary Points We are in D flat Major with a full and happy tone. Quite full and strong. Time is 6/4 so the first and 4th beats are the most important musically. Tempo marking is Lento so slow and expressive. The...
Pieces Guide Edward Elgar – Chanson de Matin
Pieces Guideschanson de matin by Edward Elgar 1857-1934 The Piece: chanson de matin op. 15 no. 2 by edward elgar 1857-1934Why Choose Chanson de Matin?I have chosen the Chanson de Matin because it is a string piece and a valuable learning resource for flute players....
Pieces Guide J S Bach Sonata in C major BWV1033
Pieces Guide:Sonata in C major BWV 1033 by J.S. Bach 1685-1750J. S. Bach Sonata in C major BWV 1033 for flute and continuo Composed in 1736 in the Baroque Period.Andante PrestoAllegroAdagioMenuett I & IIWhy Choose Sonata in C Major BWV 1033 by J S BachI have...
Pieces Guide Edward Elgar – Salut D’Amour
Pieces Guide:Salut D’Amour by Edward Elgar 1857-1934Salut D’Amour Edward Elgar 1857-1934Why Choose Salut D'Amour?I have chosen it for The Flautist series because a player needs three instrumental hats to get the most from this piece. Firstly, you need to be a violin...
Pieces Guide Anton Dvorak – Songs My Mother Taught Me
Pieces Guide:Songs My Mother Taught Me by Antonin Dvorak 1841 -1904Piece: Songs My Mother Taught Me by Antonin Dvorak 1841-1904 Why Choose Songs My Mother Taught MeThere is no better way to bridge the space between one’s soul, musical expression, and voice than to...
Pieces Guide James Horner – My Heart Will Go On
Pieces Guidemy heart will go on by James Horner as sung by Celine Dionmy heart will go on by James Horner As Sung by Celine dion Why Choose My Heart Will Go On?This is a beautiful melody to practice and develop a melodic line musically, a beautiful tone, legato...
Earth for Flute and Piano by Takatsugu Muramatsu
Earth for flute and piano by Takatsugu MuramatsuEarth for flute and piano by Takatsugu Muramatsu Why choose Earth? I chose Earth because it is essential to tell a story with one’s interpretation and playing. This piece lends itself beautifully to storytelling. This is...
Pieces Guides Eugene Bozza – Aria
Pieces GuideAria by Eugene Bozza 1905-1991Aria by eugene bozza 1905-1991 Why Choose The AriaI chose this piece because it is an Aria, so it calls on an operatic, vocal approach. It is taxing for breath control and capturing the qualities of the saxophone is...
Pieces Guide Antonin Dvorak – Four Romantic Pieces Op 75 No.1
Pieces Guide:Four Romantic pieces Op 75 no.1 by Anton Dvorak 1841-1904The Piece: four romantic pieces op 75 no.1 by anton dvorak 1841-1904 Why Choose Four Romantic Pieces Op 75 No 1?I have chosen this piece for many reasons It is a violin piece, and the phrasing is...
Pieces Guide Edward Elgar – The Serious Doll
the serious doll by Edward Elgar 1857-1934the serious doll by edward elgar 1857-1934 Why Choose The Serious DollI have chosen to play from the piano version of this Suite. I have taken the right-hand melodic line. The reason I have chosen this melody apart, from the...
Pieces Guide Giulio Caccini – Ave Maria
Pieces GuideAve Maria by Giulio Cacciniave maria by Giulio Caccini 1551-1618Why Choose Ave Maria by Caccini? I have recorded this with a backing track done my wonderful pianist Kathy Sander. It is an example of the many that will be available to subscribers at the end...
Pieces Guide Jacques Duphly – La De Drummond
Pieces Guide:La de Drummond by Jacques DuphlyLa de Drummond by Jacques Duphly 1715-1789Why Choose La de Drummond?La de Drummond is an extension exercise in The Flautist subscription series as well as a great little repertoire piece. It is excellent for low register...
Pieces Guide Lensky’s Aria by Peter Tchaikovsky
Pieces Guidelensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskylensky's aria by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1840-1893Why Choose Lensky's Aria by Peter Tchaikovsky?Listening to a vocal interpretation of this Aria is so helpful to understanding this musically. The Aria calls for a...
Pieces Guide Philippe Gaubert – Madrigal
Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Madrigal by Philippe Gaubert 1879-1941Why Choose Madrigal by Philippe GaubertThe Guide: Madrigal by Philippe GaubertThe Backing TrackThe backing track has been provided with the main purpose of giving the player the opportunity to...
Pieces Guide Gabriel Faure: Morceau de Concours
Pieces Guide:Morceau de Concours by Gabriel FaureThe Piece: Morceau de Concours by Gabriel Fauré. 1845-1924Why choose Morceau de Concours?Working through “Tone Development Through Interpretation” by Marcel Moyse has been invaluable to gain tonal clarity and phrasing...
Pieces Guide Franz Schubert – Ave Maria
Pieces Guide:Ave Maria by Franz Schubertave maria by Franz Schubert 1797-1826Why Choose Ave Maria by Franz SchubertThis Ave Maria is the final Ave Maria in my series and the most beautiful for me. All the Ave Maria’s in the series draw on different aspects of the...
Pieces Guide: Frederic Weatherly: Danny Boy
The Piece: Danny Boy by Frederic Wheatherly Why Choose Danny Boy?Danny Boy is probably one of the most expressive and beautiful of vocalisations to play. I would think it would be near impossible to play it without singing the words at the same time. Being aware of...
Pieces Guide Arthur Woodall – Serenade
Pieces Guide:Piece: Serenade by Arthur Woodall 1873-1952The Piece: Serenade by Arthur WoodallBackgroundWhy choose the Woodall Serenade? I have chosen it because it explores the versatility of the three registers on the flute beautifully and with incredible elegance...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 18
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 18 Extract from Werther Entr'acte Act 4 by Jules MassenetPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 72
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 72 Extract from La Norma by Vincenzo BelliniPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 71
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 71 Extract from Air Ecossais by Jean Louis TulouPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness...
Tone Development through Interpretation No 40
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 40 Extract from Plaisir d'Amour by Jean-Paul-Égide MartiniPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 39
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 39 Extract from Elegy by Jules MassenetPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 33
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 33 Extract from The Last Rose of Summer transcribed by Edward BuntingPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato,...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 38
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 38 Extract from Fantaisie melancolique by Mathieu Andre ReichertPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato,...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 31
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 31 Extract from Symphony No 31 in C minor by Camille Saint SaensPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato,...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 23
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 23 Extract from Lucia di Lammermoor by DonizettiPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 11
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 11 Extract from La lune sur un chateau en ruins by Rentaro Taki Purpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato,...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 07
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 7 Extract from Freischutz by Carl Maria von WeberPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 08
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 8 Extract from La Traviata by Giuseppe VerdiPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 06
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 6 Extract from Air Ecossais by Theobald BoehmPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
Tone Development Through Interpretation No 03
Tone Development Through InterpretationMarcel Moyse Number 3 Extract from Air Ecossais by Theobald BoehmPurpose of These StudiesThe Tone development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is a series of extracts that study expression, vibrato, colour and suppleness by...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 24
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 24 Summary Points The key is E minor, dark and expressive The time signature is 3/4, the first beat is the important one The tempo is Lento, slowly but expressively. The main thing here is to always reflect the...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 23
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 23 Summary Points The key is G Major, bright and happy. Time is 4/4. One and three are the important beats Tempo is Lento. Slowly and expressively. Ben Cantato, in a singing style. Practice the skeleton in crotchets,...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 22
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 22 Summary Points This and the variations are an exercise in syncopations and air direction as well as making musical sense of all these aspects. The key is B Minor The time signature is 4/4. The first and third beats...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 21
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 21 Summary Points The key is D Major, this is a very bright happy study The time signature is 7/4. The first beat is the important one and the other beats need to develop evenly musically to the first beat of each bar....
24 Little Melodic Studies No 20
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 20 Summary Points The key is F Sharp Minor, sad and dark in nature. Time signature is 9/8, the first beat is the important one. Tempo marking is Andantino, avoid dragging it out musically. Essential to practice the...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 19
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 19 Summary Points We are in A Major and a happy but very expressive colour. Time is 3/4, it is the first beat that is important, and this is like a slower style waltz. Tempo is Andantino but leaning towards Allegretto,...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 18
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 18 Summary Points The key is C sharp minor Time is 4/4 , one and three are the important beats Tempo is Allegro. Avoid a tempo that is too fast, flippant and lacks detache on the staccatos. Practice singing into the...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 17
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 17 Summary Points We are in E Major here. Time is 4/4 so first and third are the musical importance. Tempo is Allegro vivo. Avoid a tempo that is so fast the music and tone lose quality and meaning. The throat must be...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 16
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 16 Summary Points What key are we in, G Sharp Minor but the opening has a skeleton structure of D sharp minor scale. Time signature is 12/8 so first and third beats are the important ones. Practice in a dotted crotchet...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 15
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 15 Summary Points What key are we in? B major, a bright bubbly key here. Time signature is 9/8 so the first beat is the important beat. Tempo is allegro and again avoid playing this in a frivolous manner where the study...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 14
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 14 Summary Points What key are we in? Still in F Sharp Major Time signature is 3/4 so the first beat is an expressive tenuto. Tempo is Allegro but avoid playing this so fast it loses its musical power. The tone must be...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 13
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 13 Summary Points What key are we in? F sharp major. This is a musically strong key, rich in colour. Time signature is 4/4. The first and third beats are the most important beats of the bar. Lento with legato is the...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 12
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 12 Summary Points We are in D Flat Major. Light and happy tone. Time signature is 3/4 so the first beat is the most important, this has a waltz type feel to it. Allegretto tempo indicates a dance style. It is marked...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 10
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 10 Summary Points What key are we in? F Minor, this is quite a full and foreboding key colour here. Tempo is Lento Martellato and sostenuto. Martellato is a string and bowing use and means strongly articulated. The...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 9
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 9 Summary Points What key are we in? A flat Major. A singing, strong and happy key. Time signature is 4/4 so first and third beats are the musically important beats. Tempo is Andantino, this implies and musically...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 8
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 8 "Your vowel quality must be beautiful. You would never say “I love you” with an ugly, nasal voice."Summary Points What key are we in? C minor. Need to pull out all the stops on this one for a dark and musically...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 7
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 7 Summary Points What key are we in? E flat Major, happy, bright but expressive key. How many beats in the bar? 3/4 , the first beat is the most important Avoid accenting the third beat but the player also needs to hold...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 6
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 6 Summary Points What key are we in? D minor. An expressively open and sad key. What time signature? 4/4 so the first and third beats are the most important beats. What tempo is marked? Andante, which is slow but still...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 5
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 5 Summary Points What key are we in? B flat Major. Happy but a strong key What tempo is marked? Allegro, bright and happy moving tempo What time signature is marked? 6/8. The first beat is the most important beat The...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 4
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 4 Summary Points What key are we in, D minor so it’s dark and sad. How many beats in the bar 3/4 so the first beat is the musically import and expressive beat. What tempo is marked? Andantino, choose a tempo that...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 2
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 2 Summary Points What key are we in? A minor. Tone colour needs a darker more reflective. What tempo is stated? Andantino. The tempo moves in a more dance like fashion, not laboured but expressive. How many beats in the...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 3
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 3 Summary Points What key are we in? F Major so it is a happy key, quite bright in colour. What tempo is marked? Allegretto, so it is a flowing dance style How many beats in the bar? 3/4 so the first beat is the most...
24 Little Melodic Studies No 1
24 Little Melodic Studies by Marcel Moyse Number 1 Summary Points What key are we in?. C Major so it's a happy key What tempo is stated?. Andante, so at an easy walking pace not a funeral march How many beats in the bar? 4/4 what are the important beats? 1 and 3 Soft...