Hilary Taggart has based this interesting work around the life of Atarah Ben Tovim, for whom it was written as a birthday present. Spiritoso is quirky with 3/4 crossrhythms which need energy and skill to play well. Divertissement is less taxing rhythmically, the texture providing the interest, and the closing Canzona zips along in 3/8 testing the players' ensemble techniques to the full. There is a 'safety in numbers' approach to the writing here and knowing that there is usually another part with you can be really comforting! It's great to have original music for flute choir and if you want something really different this is perfect!
A birthday suite composed for Atarah Ben-Tovim for 6 players, including piccolo, alto and bass flutes.
This suite in three movements was composed by Hilary Taggart in celebration of the 70th birthday of Atarah Ben-Tovim MBE, in appreciation of her musicianship and love of the flute, and in gratitude for all she has given others in the way of direction and encouragement through her energy and enthusiasm.
The first movement Spiritoso is lively and energetic, reflecting Atarah's early association with Merseyside, where she was a legendary Principal Flute in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra from 1963 until 1975.
The second movement Divertissement shows French influence, with use of whole-tone passages and café-style themes. This celebrates Atarah's life in France, where flautists from Britain, France and around the world have enjoyed her food-wine-and-music house parties.
The final movement Canzona is a round in which all players have their moments. It ends with a mad, scatty explosion of joie de vivre, typical of Atarah's life-style.
