What a great book this is. Richard Kershaw has based his 12 delightful tunes on a nineteenth century children's poem about the months of the year, and in each one you can really see the connection. For example, Dancing Daffodils of March is a waltz, May Sheep Safely Graze is an Andante Pastorale in 6/8, and Chill December quotes Jingle Bells. There is a Gershwin-type feel to some of the harmonies and the tunes are very appealing. The accompaniments have an important role to play and the ensemble aspect of learning these pieces makes them all the more valuable.
A Flautist’s Calendar contains twelve original pieces of intermediate standard. Each piece depicts a month of the year as described in the charming 19th century children’s poem by Sara Coleridge, beginning “January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow”.
