Essence

The flute takes a very special place in French music, particularly so in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As a result (and in addition to a great deal of original repertoire for the instrument) there is a significant body of work transcribed for flute and piano, which Lisa Friend and Rohan de Silva explore in this exquisite programme. Fauré's first Violin Sonata, composed in 1875 - 76 works particularly well in transcription, with is sweeping melodies and lack of double-stopping. The rapid scale passages in the third movement are especially effective. Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, based on a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, is regarded by many (including Boulez) as the birthplace of modern music, Ravel choosing it to be played at his funeral. The original orchestral version opens with one of the best-known flute solos in the repertoire, making this transcription particularly appropriate.

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