Work
Flute Concerto
for solo flute and orchestra
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About
A sense of optimism pervades this work - remarkable considering that during the writing of it some of my worst fears were realised. I lost my father and find it hard to reconcile myself to his passing, yet he lives on in me and for that I am grateful.
To Steve and to Edwin I say farewell, too - Steve was a friend, colleague and the bass player in my band, dying tragically young in a road accident the week before my father died. Edwin Raymond was a significant influence in my teenage years and I am only sorry that I did not write this sooner so he could have conducted it.
The piece is not, however, about death. It is not gloomy. The middle movements are reflective and peaceful and the outer movements are lively and rhythmic. If there is an optimistic side of death it is that life becomes more intense and more meaningful. The spirit of the finale is testament to this, ending the work vigorously and on an optimistic note.
The concerto was premiered on 7 November 1999 with Carol Hohauser as soloist, accompanied by the Da Capo Chamber Orchestra under conductor Mark Hodgkinson. The concerto was revised significantly in 2002 for the Russian premiere in May 2002 with the Kuzbass Symphony Orchestra. The work was written for Carol and I thank her for her enthusiasm, musicianship and for believing in my work.
Dedication note
for Carol Hohauser
Contents note
Four movements:
I. Introduction- Presto
II. Soliloquy (cadenza)
III.Elegy
IV. Scherzo finale
Performance history
07 Nov 1999: Premiered by Carol Hohauser (flute) with the Da Capo Chamber Orchestra conducted by Mark Hodgkinson, at the Great Hall, Christchurch Arts Centre
The concerto was revised significantly in 2002 for the Russian premiere in May 2002 with the Kuzbass Symphony Orchestra.