Flute Magic

Describing a person's feelings towards his or her partner Melody of Love shows continuing affection in a couple of variations. Impressions reflects moods, sadness and nostalgic thoughts, leading to a short melody of joy before returning to impressions of life, and Air is a serene hymn like melody with a feeling of peace.

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.

Starting with deep thoughts of life itself, Reflections is followed by a lighter middle section of getting on with life. Song of Spring begins with rays of sunshine and the grass turning from brown to green - by the main theme we are into spring and enjoying it. Neapolitan Thoughts represents thinking of Italy and a visit to Naples and the famous Bay.

The suggestion in Awakening Day is that with all the buds of May shooting up we must also wake up and go forward like nature. Intensity represents strong feelings in life and the need for will power to accomplish what you really want to. Paris Walk starts with an early morning walk, stark and slightly eerie, going towards the Seine with the Notre Dame glaring out in the early morning mist, before walking back past the Opera House - the walk continues, eventually coming to Montmartre, and then in the animato section climbs the steps to Sacre Coeur to see the expanse of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Thinking of nostalgic memories of bygone days Memories pictures someone sitting on a public bench looking out to sea. Concert Waltz represents returning from a music concert to go on to happy partying and dancing, while Haunted Dreams pictures a sleeping adult haunted by memories of the past.

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.

An lovely original work, perfect for recitals.

A delightful recital piece by English composer Martin Yates, whose eclectic style is fast earning him popularity. For studios, colleges, conservatories and professionals.

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.