Joseph Gething – Themes For Flute Book 3 (Flute & Piano)

A melodic and reflective miniature by Paul Lewis, giving the chance to display legato technique and the expressive possibilities of the instruments. Requires sensitivity of performance and use of rubato.

Starting peacefully and calmly Valse Semplice is followed by a variation of mood swings and melodies before returning to the valse. The Gipsy Rondo represents an atmospheric Hungarian scene, and When Autumn Comes starts with a nostalgic main melody describing autumn having arrived, before chasing through the falling leaves.

Sonata for Flute and Piano, Opus 17 is written in a late Romantic style. The first movement is constructed essentially in traditional sonata-allegro form, with an extensive coda augmenting the new material heard in the development. The passionate second movement opens with a lyrical theme that culminates into a free cadenza at the end. The third movement is written in theme and variation form. Of importance, the fifth variation is written as a four-part fugue and the final variation culminates by joining the theme of the third movement with that of the first. This work not only adds to the existing repertoire of intermediate-advanced flute music, but also teaches young people about traditional classical forms such as the rondo, theme and variations and the fugue. For the history of the composition please see Jim Kelsey's biography. Suitable for teaching studios, secondary schools, colleges and conservatories.

This work, consisting of four melodic pieces inspired by the infant children of friends of the composer, is in an uncomplicatedly melodic style being evocative of the innocence of childhood, and is very pleasing to perform and to listen to. Lullaby for Laura did its job when, on hearing it for the first time, Laura fell asleep in her mother's arms. Tallulah's Tune is based on the rhythm of her names. Poppy's Waltz was inspired by a neighbours little blonde girl in her garden, and Keris Mae was introduced to the composer in a playground, hence the playful nature of her piece. Premiered in London by Rachel Smith (a regular interpreter of Lewis's music) accompanied by Rachel Fryer on the 1st August 2005. Named as a finalist in the 2012 National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Competition, Pictures of Childhood is for secondary schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals. The first movement Lullaby for Laura was a Grade 6 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam piece between 2018 and 2021.