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The Flautist Blog

Pieces Guide Yumi Matsutoya – Haru yo koi Come Spring

Yumi Matsutoya - Haru Yo Koi (Come Spring)Piece: 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 educational...

Joe Hisaishi – The Rain

The Rain by Joe HisaishiEileen Gilligan Flute Daniel Le Piano - Joe Hisaishi - The Rain The Rain was chosen and transcribed as an extension exercise to the pitch bend low note chromatic exercise in the Foundation Tools section of The Flautist. The low register of the...

Marcel Moyse – 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...

Carl Reinecke – Sonata in E minor Op 167 Andante Tranquillo Undine Third Movement

 Sonata in E minor Op 167 Andante Tranquillo  by Carl ReineckeEileen Gilligan Flute Xinyu "Allie" Wang Piano - Undine Andante Tranquillo Andante Tranquillo – Reinecke Sonata in Eminor Op.167 – making the most of “the space between the notes.” Story wise this movement...

Arthur Woodall – Berceuse

Berceuse by Arthur WoodallEileen Gilligan Flute Daniel Le Piano - Arthur Woodall Berceuse The Berceuse was recorded because I loved the Serenade so much I went hunting for the Berceuse which I found is in the London Library. Arthur Woodall’s grandson Chris contacted...

Anton Dvorak – Song to the Moon

Song to the Moon by Anton Dvorak is excellent for soft dynamic projection, tone, and quality. The tone has to ring, resonate, have depth of colour and emotion at a p dynamic level. It is demanding but very worthwhile putting in the time. I chose this aria to help develop a soft tone on the flute without it being dull and lifeless which is too often heard in flute players.

Ennio Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe

I have chosen Gabriels Oboe because it is a haunting , beautiful melody that is a great way to practise finding the speaking point of the flute and carry the resonant tone throughout. The melody keeps within a close range note wise so is perfect for this as a practise extension exercise to low note pich bend exercise.

Learning About Tone Development Through Interpretation For Flute

Tone Development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is one of the greatest legacies he has left us. It is mainly a result of his time in America and travels with Blanche Honneger and Dame Nellie Melba which cemented his passion for the sound and virtues of other...

Carl Reinecke – Sonata in E Minor Op.167 Intermezzo. Allegretto vivace.

Sonata in E minor Intermezzo. Allegretto vivace “Undine” by Carl ReineckeEileen Gilligan Flute and Xinyu Allie Wang Piano - Sonata in E minor Intermezzo. Allegretto vivace “Undine” Intermezzo. Allegretto vivace is the second movement of the Carl Reinecke Sonata and...

What is Colour on the Flute?

What is colour on the flute? how do we get it? Tone and tone colour are probably two of the most important aspects of flute playing and interpretation. This is how we engage with the listener, impart emotion, and tell the story of what we are playing. We pay homage to...

Marcel Moyse – 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...

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What is Colour on the Flute?

What is Colour on the Flute?

What is colour on the flute? how do we get it? Tone and tone colour are probably two of the most important aspects of flute playing and interpretation. This is how we engage with the listener, impart emotion, and tell the story of what we are playing. We pay homage to...

read more
What is the purpose of Practice?

What is the purpose of Practice?

One definition of Practice is “to play something regularly or repeatedly in order to become skilled at it”. Looking at athletes and army personnel they do exercises and strength building to gain muscle memory.There are several ways to look at practice and methods of...

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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...

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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,...

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Conversation in music performance.

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...

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Conversation in music performance.

Storytelling 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...

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Learning from Baroque

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...

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Pieces

Here are a some of the flute pieces.

Hope you enjoy them

Arthur Woodall – Berceuse

Berceuse by Arthur WoodallEileen Gilligan Flute Daniel Le Piano - Arthur Woodall Berceuse The Berceuse was recorded because I loved the Serenade so much I went hunting for the Berceuse which I found is in the London Library. Arthur Woodall’s grandson Chris contacted...

read more

Anton Dvorak – Song to the Moon

Song to the Moon by Anton Dvorak is excellent for soft dynamic projection, tone, and quality. The tone has to ring, resonate, have depth of colour and emotion at a p dynamic level. It is demanding but very worthwhile putting in the time. I chose this aria to help develop a soft tone on the flute without it being dull and lifeless which is too often heard in flute players.

read more

Ennio Morricone – Gabriel’s Oboe

I have chosen Gabriels Oboe because it is a haunting , beautiful melody that is a great way to practise finding the speaking point of the flute and carry the resonant tone throughout. The melody keeps within a close range note wise so is perfect for this as a practise extension exercise to low note pich bend exercise.

read more

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Arlen & Harburg

Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg Eileen Gilligan Flute and Daniel Le Piano - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Somewhere over the Rainbow is a melody I play almost every day in every key for two reasons expression and colour. This is a...

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Andrew Lloyd Webber – All I Ask Of You

All I ask of you by Andrew Lloyd WebberEileen Gilligan Flute and Daniel Le Piano - All I Ask of You The Phantom of the Opera music was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and a libretto by Lloyd Webber and...

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Joseph Nicolas Pancrace Royer – La Sensible

La Sensible by Joseph Nicolas Pancrace RoyerEileen Gilligan Flute and Daniel Le Piano - La Sensible La Sensible is a beautiful, delicate little piece. The translation of La Sensible is The Sensitive. Written in Rondeau form which originated in the Baroque period, it...

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Miley Cyrus – Flowers

Flowers by Miley CyrusEileen Gilligan Flute and Daniel Le Piano - Flowers This release is the first of my new series with pianist Daniel Le. Flowers by Miley Cyrus was a left field choice by me. It is not something I would normally play but I loved the melody and the...

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Maurice Ravel – Pavane pour une infante defunte

Pavane pour une infante defunte by Maurice RavelEileen Gilligan Flute and Alex Raineri Piano - Pavane pour une defunte What a beautiful piece this is !!!!   The Pavane was written in 1899 when Ravel was studying from Gabriel Faure at the Paris Conservatoire. The...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Ennio Morricone – D’Amore si Muore

D'Amore si Muore 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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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One Summers Day by Joe Hisaishi

One Summer's Day by Joe HisaishiOne Summer's Day by Joe Hisaishi 1950- Joe Hisaishi was born in Nakano, Nagano, Japan, as Mamoru Fujisawa. He started learning violin in the Violin School Suzuki Shinichi at the age of four, he found his passion in music. At the same...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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My Heart Will Go On by James Horner

my heart will go on as sung by Celine Dionmy heart will go on As Sung by Celine dion The Flautist series uses vocalisation exercises to develop tone, various tonguing techniques, and general musicality. This is one of many that will be available and have guides to...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Guides

Here are a number of guides for flute pieces. Some are restricted to subscription members.

Guide to Miley Cyrus – Flowers

Flowers by Miley CyrusThe Guide To Playing This PieceEileen Gilligan Flute and Daniel Le Piano - Flowers This release is the first of my new series with pianist Daniel Le. Flowers by Miley Cyrus was a left field choice by me. It is not something I would normally play...

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Guide Ennio Morricone – D’Amore si Muore

D'Amore si Muore by Ennio MorriconeThe Guide To Playing This PieceD'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...

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Guide to Anton Dvorak – Song to the Moon

Song to the Moon by Anton Dvorak is excellent for soft dynamic projection, tone, and quality. The tone has to ring, resonate, have depth of colour and emotion at a p dynamic level. It is demanding but very worthwhile putting in the time. I chose this aria to help develop a soft tone on the flute without it being dull and lifeless which is too often heard in flute players.

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Guide to Arthur Woodall – Berceuse

Berceuse by Arthur WoodallThe Guide to Playing This PieceEileen Gilligan Flute Daniel Le Piano - Arthur Woodall Berceuse The Berceuse was recorded because I loved the Serenade so much I went hunting for the Berceuse which I found is in the London Library. Arthur...

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Gary Schocker: Regrets & Resolutions

Hello Everyone, Well, this is a fantastic addition to the flute repertoire and something I have been wanting to talk about for a while and that is working on gaining technique through repertoire and not relying so much on pattern repetitive studies. They still have an...

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Getting More Out of Tone Development

Tone Development Through Interpretation by Marcel Moyse is an amazing resource he has given flute players. Not only is it full of inspirational extracts and exercises that develop subtleties and inflections in the player as well as a beautiful tone it opens the door...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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