Flute & Piano

Another delightful piece by English composer Martin Yates.

This is a highly unique arrangement by Rebecca Faith. Its features are laid back jazzy chords and syncopated rhythms within a 6/8 structure. There is frequent use of clashing seconds in the harmony, but the familiar melody is prominent and not lost. This piece has five clear sections: a verse of the melody, a piano solo, another verse of the melody, a flute solo, then a final rendition of the melody - but here the flute continues to maintain an experimental feel, combining the verse and solo sections to conclude.

This arrangement of Away in a Manger by Rebecca Faith incorporates two traditional melodies woven together seamlessly to create a refreshing interpretation of a universally familiar song. A verse of the traditional American tune is heard first on the piano before being interrupted by the flute taking over with the British melody. Piano interludes of the American themes return but never in full until the end of the piece where it returns to its original starting point. As much as the familiar melodies are recognisable they are laced with jazzy harmonies and a nonchalant improvisatory style.

La Fille Aux Cheveux Dores (The Girl with the Golden Hair), composed by Paul Lewis and dedicated to Rachel Smith, is a study in extreme legato and breath control. It is sensuous, delicate, intimate and very French, and has the most gorgeous and romantic tune imaginable. Rachel Smith recorded this work in April 2012 on the CD The World of the Flute, released in 2013 by Polyphonic, QPRZ 029D.

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.

The title Seren Y Nos is Welsh for Star of the Night. This atmospheric piece by Rebecca Faith is based on a simple bass line made up of three chords but the overall result is quite complex. There are two main themes, the first heard on the piano, the second introduced by the flute - these two themes are then layered, inverted and heard in different ranges, timbres and textures to create a sound that goes far beyond two simple themes. The result is a magical sound that has a distinct enchanting impression of a vast open space, hence the title Star of the Night.

Penderyn is a tiny village at the edge of the Brecon Beacons and is the birthplace of the compose's grandmother. The old church of Penderyn is enclosed by trees that are home to scores of birds from which the village takes its name - 'Hill of Birds' is the English translation. The flute evokes the bird song and in the central section plays a folk style melody, while the piano takes a harp like role with an old Welsh hymn (Llef) hidden in the harmony and following the bird song.

Deliberately fun and slightly tongue in cheek, this arrangement by Rebecca Faith is challenging but highly enjoyable. The new composed melodies become as much loved as the original tune, seamlessly layered and intertwined. The descending bass line, punchy accents and shifting time signatures give this piece a sense of a 'swing' style. Definitely a piece that requires strong drive and attitude.

In this arrangement the exploration of register and alternative harmonies, together with the sustain pedal, creates an image of sound reverberation in open spaces. The piano's open fifths in the middle of the piece gives an eastern feel. Rebecca Faith has added a new original theme alongside the main melody that gives a fresh unique quality - this theme immediately sets the atmosphere in the piano introduction and is later heard more powerfully on the flute, returning at the close of the piece in the high register of the piano creating a music box like feel.

The alternative harmonies in this arrangement by Rebecca Faith make it a highly emotive interpretation. The piano takes control of the main melody, with the flute adding beautiful harmony and decorative features. The phrases O Come All Ye Faithful and Joyful and Triumphant are explored in shifting keys and harmonies adding a unique richness. However, the melody is still strongly present leaving the listener satisfied that they have heard the much loved tune.

This beautiful melody arranged by Rebecca Faith is refreshed with nonchalant jazzy harmonies. The main melody is heard but then takes a different turn with a short interlude in an improvisatory style. The main melody is heard in three different keys descending each time, however the opposite effect occurs as the rich sound of the key change lifts the ambience of the music.