The three movements in this work are entitled Busy Bossa, Time Slipping By and Mind the Steppe so this gives you a good idea about the nature of the music. Although it all looks a little complicated at first sight, there has been some clever work here. The 6 parts are loosely grouped together in either 2 groups of three or three groups of 2 so there is always at least 2 parts with the same type of rhythm. There is a lot of dovetailing of the melody and you'll also find some quirky harmonies. It's all really effective so if you're looking for something off the beaten track do give this a go.
A suite of three pieces for flute choir in six parts with an optional Alto Flute part.
Flautissimo opens with Busy Bossa a slightly tongue-in-cheek bossa nova. Great fun to be had fitting this one together rhythmically. The middle movement is Time Slipping By. This is a tender, melancholy tune which is effortlessly passed around the ensemble. The finale is the quirky Mind the Steppe - Russian Rondo. Each return of the theme gets progressively wilder and there is even a short Russian Winter to contend with in the middle!
"...Flautissimo is scored for six flutes with optional alto flute. It consists of three short pieces: 'Busy Bossa' (rhythmic accuracy is a must!), 'Time Slipping By' and 'Mind the Steppe' (a Russian Rondo). The pieces are good and all players get something to play. The difficulty is grade 5-8. Composer/arranger David Mitcham has experience working in many musical genres including jazz and ethnic music. His works have been performed by such eminent groups as the Nash Ensemble and the Delmé String Quartet. Highly recommended."
Reviewed 'Music Teacher'
