Hilary Taggart has a habit of writing unusual pieces to highlight a technical problem and this latest publication is no exception. Starting with a Blue Skies warm-up concentrating on middle E, she then goes on to explore bell-notes in The Monastery Garden, harmonics in The Alphorn and intonation in Sundown. There are also some good pieces here for a variety of articulations. This is sych an imaginative book and highly recommended - as always!
These study-pieces were written to address some of the problem areas of flute playing. The need to gain subtle control of tone and dynamics, yet maintain accurate intonation is a challenge that faces all players. Expressive tonal colours can also be explored in this music, and fluent and agile tonguing is a further aim.
The subject and mood of each of these pieces is associated with the warmth of sunshine, the feeling of relaxation that sunshine brings and the imagery of holiday places and pursuits. It is hoped that these associations with sunshine will bring warmth and expression to phrasing, and convey the life affirming sense of well-being that comes from simply being in the sun.
