This collection of 16 sightreading test pieces set for the prestigious Prix de Concours at the Paris Conservatoire is full of delights. None of the these composers was a flute player but each work is beautifully written to showcase the expressive qualities of the instrument with great insight and flair. Names such as Mouquet and Pierne will be familiar but there are also gems from the others, especially Adriene Barthe and Charles Colin, which will be well worth exploring. Not all were originally composed for flute and piano so Clifford Benson has sensitively reconstructed piano parts where necessary. This is such a lovely book which really enriches the flute repertoire - a must for all flute players!
This collection is the first-ever publication of 19th-20th Century exam pieces composed for the Paris Conservatory, meticulously compiled, arranged and edited over the course of many years by accomplished flutist Nancy Andrews. All 16 pieces include solo flute part with piano accompaniments. Optional digital downloads are available as well of the original cello/string ensemble accompaniments where available.
Sir James Galway's introduction to the album states: “It is my great pleasure to present this collection of pieces originally intended as the sight reading exam for the flute class of the Paris conservatoire. Each piece is a little jewel and could be used as an encore to a recital or even in the main part of a recital. Nancy Andrew has done a magnificent job of preparing them for publication. I look forward with great joy to include them in my future recitals.”
