Inspired by the recent success of their previous album “Poems and Dreams,” Rebecca and Alexander offer a new collection of original works for flute and piano. “Friends in Common Time,” features composers from Slovakia, France, USA, Norway, Moldova and Germany.
Bagatelle by Francis Kayali: “In French the word “bagatelle” means a “trifle.” It suggests something playful, enjoyable, light, but also of lesser significance. A musical bagatelle would likely be lighter and shorter than a sonata, for instance. It would not have the same depth or seriousness and its structure would be more straight-forward. Presumably, a composer would jot off a bagatelle on the side, when not engaged in the usual diet of large-scale, multi-movement compositions (!) Similarly, performers might save bagatelles as the dessert at the end of a concert comprised of weightier works. There’s something indulgent about a bagatelle.
Despite their modest ambitions, bagatelles can be very successful, with general audiences sometimes appreciating them the most. After all, one of the most famous pieces of classical music, Beethoven’s “Für Elise” is a bagatelle.
My piece adopts a nineteenth century style. Present day composers do not like to do this, because they see originality and innovation as a requirement. ("If you have nothing new to say, then what's the point in saying it?") Some listeners question this as an aesthetic decision. Does it constitute a rejection of what the 20th century has to offer in terms of musical approaches? Does it project a kind of support for the problematic societal values of 19th century society (or those of the 20th century audience that used classical music as a marker of social class)? Doesn’t this kind of music “let the ear lie back in an easy chair,” as Charles Ives decried? By calling this piece “bagatelle,” I seek to acknowledge these questions as valid, while humbly indulging in my fondness for dessert!” -Francis
Fantasia was originally written for clarinet and piano. It transcribes so easily for flute that it feels like it was originally written for it! According Adrienne, there is no particular story behind it but it came to her easily. I think this ease is evident throughout, exemplifying the joy and beauty Adrienne brings to all of her works.
Senahh by Peter Machajdik. Senahh is a beautiful collection of slow moving chords and ascending scales. I asked Peter what Senahh meant and he said it was a word he made up. I love this about his composition. I find the fanciful title lets the listener and the performer determine what the music means to them. When I play this piece or listen to it, it has the power of transport me from my worries and calm me. So I’ve decided for me “Senahh’ means magic.
Reminiscenza by Alexander Timofeev was written specifically for this album. Alexander is a much sought after composer having his works performed through the USA and Moldova. He was recently awarded the "Audience Choice Award and Commission" at the American Composers Orchestra's 2017 Underwood New Music Readings. He is also the winner of the 2016 Richard Weerts Composition Competition and finalist of the 2016 Thailand International Composition Competition. "Reminiscenza (2017) invites the listener to explore one’s forgotten memories. It is a musical journey inspired by a recollection of thoughts, feelings and experiences that live in our memory. From the moment of inception of the initial melodic idea to its full realization in a composition, Reminiscenza’s motive intrigued me as it presented an opportunity for developing a different contemporary feel and sense of time. By featuring the wide range of colors for flute and piano, the piece’s narrative quality, clarity and expressive resources allow the performers and the audience to experience a deeper emotional connection." -Alexander
Sonatina by Peter Kutt has been in hiding for 20 years! Many moons ago a work of music showed up on my front porch. It was sent by a composer in Europe who hoped I might consider premiering it for him. Alas, his timing was poor. I just had given birth and my focus had changed to motherhood. So into my files went his music. Spring ahead 20 years to 2018. I was thumbing though my files and stumbled across his music. Still looking fresh and new. I took it out and played it and was astonished by its beauty and personality! Inspired, I looked up the composer and learned it had not been debuted or recorded in the USA. Within a few months, I had premiered and recorded this little gem. I think you'll be moved by its happy mood, and its relevance to today's need to listen to music that satisfies the soul.
Winter in the Woods. This work was inspired by Kevin’s childhood memories of sitting around a campfire in snowy woods. This work is a collection of layers of sound made by muted piano strings and alto flute. The alto flute was played directly into the open piano which had the pedal depressed, making a haunting resonating sound. From there we captured key clicks, wind noises, percussive articulations and whistles tones all made by the alto flute. The melody was predetermined but played with rhythmic freedom. With any luck, you’ll hear the wind blowing cold powdery snow, limbs breaking, fire crackling and the magic that can arise on a winter day.
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