Classical Music | Music for Flute

Recorded on 08/26/2009, uploaded on 12/28/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sonatine                 Henri Dutilleux

Henri Dutilleux's reputation as a composer is founded primarily on instrumental symphonies and orchestral pieces, although he wrote fine pieces for almost all instruments. The Sonatine is in three movements, each flowing without interruption into the next. In the first, Allegretto, the theme is introduced by the piano (accompanied by the flute playing in its lowest register), and after it is repeated by the flute, it is presented in various keys. The effect of these thematic repeats is further heightened by the introduction of chromatic alterations.  This theme in 7/8 meter, along with its host of rhythmic variants, has an undoubtedly Latin flavor. A flute cadenza leads to a short, expressively intoned Andante, which in turn flows into a Finale (Animé) that most closely resembles a rondo form. The Finale's B section, vaguely reminiscent of a farandole (a French provincial dance), is gradually transformed into a dark, sextuplet passage marked mystérieux that races in virtuoso fashion to a close.

The Sonatine was written as the 1943 examination piece at the Conservatoire Nacional. The official premiere was performed by Gaston Crunelle on the flute, accompanied by the composer at the piano, on January 17, 1944 in the Tryptique.     Jessica Warren-Acosta

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.