Paul Lewis – Spring Suite (Flute or Harmonica & Piano with optional ‘Cello) – Digital Download

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.

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.

Starting with a lively opening theme the Bagatelle leads into an appassionato type melody before going back to a faster pace - a reminder perhaps of a short happy holiday? Dawn awakens in Dawn Chorus leading to the main melody as the day progresses, with a second theme representing the sun arriving in the early hours of morning. Ganger is a walking type dance of a German nature reminiscent of pre war Berlin.

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.