When I sat down to start writing the Sonata for flute and piano, I knew I wanted to highlight the lyrical and virtuosic qualities of the flute. I decided to set the piece in two movements, each exploring a different quality.
The first movement - Part One - opens with a cadenza that starts simply and slowly and then gains both speed and complexity. Afte the cadenza, the piano joins the flute and the music settles in to a relaxed and serene theme. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more restless, until finally arriving back at a calm restatement of the opening theme.
Part Two opens with a lively interplay between the flute and piano which then leads to a quick, dance-like theme. Mainly in 6/8, the steady pulse is occasionally interrupted by different meters. The middle section brings a slightly darker theme that has a hint of jazz influence in the melodic and harmonic material. The piece concludes in an energetic mood with lively technical passages for the flute.
Sonata for Flute & Piano was commissioned in 2016 for the National Flute Convention in San Diego
Winner 2017 National Flute Association Newly Published Music Award
Performance duration (approx): 11'00"
