Albéniz – Granada from Suite Española, Opus 47 (Flute & Piano) – Digital Download

A substantial challenging work set in three movements. The first movement with its energetic opening is a rhapsody, a fantasy representing everyones Fire Island. The Adagio is there to remind us of the people who are no longer on the island - those who died and those who just don't return. The second subject is like the whispering of the kind of questions that permeate every close knit community. The excesses of life explode throughout the exuberant final, and Fire Island ends in optimism and triumph.

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.

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.

Following a bell-like introduction, the O Holy Night melody is heard in different colours, first on the flutes mid register, then in the piano bass, back to the flute and its higher register and then in a more chordal manner from the piano's treble. This arrangement by Rebecca Faith has a definite gradual growth in richness and emotion, climaxing at the key change where the flute is heard playing a very passion filled counter melody.