Robichaux - Recurrence - Flute & Piano
Recurrence, by Ben Robichaux
Contemporary Composition for Flute and Piano
Flute Part and Piano Score, PDF $12.99
NSM welcomed composer Ben Robichaux as a new contributor to our catalog in early June, 2017, when we published his piece Recurrence for flute and piano. For details of Mr. Robichaux's background, interests, and other works, please click the link to access the Composers section of the NSM website.
Recurrence was written for the composer's friend Michael Lyons. As outlined in the program notes, the "duet is framed in a traditional rondo form: ABACA. The returns of the A theme are never literal returns and repeated materials among the differing sections are never identical repetitions. These returns of A are the inspiration for the title, and the re-occurrence of the A material is a study on the lengths that a theme can be stretched and still be recognizable. The returns undergo extensive development. The B and C sections are meant to be extreme contrasts to the A sections as a means of cleansing the aural palate in order to erase the listener's memory of the theme. Despite the great lengths taken to blur the primary theme, its recognizability is undeniable. The closing section is a reflection on the basic differences among the three occurrences of the main theme. This final section is a summation of the processes that have previously been blurred by the contrasting sections of the piece. Ultimately the form portrays a futile fight that concludes with a peaceful resignation to the inevitable."
The premiere of Recurrence took place in July, 2017, with Kenneth Cox (flute) and Bronwyn Schuman (piano). The performance was recorded by audio engineer Charles Hagaman; a sample can be heard by clicking the mp3 icon.
The cover artwork for our publication was created by Scoop Brancisco, used with permission.
Piano score, 10 pages; Flute part, 3 pages; Total, 15 pages.
PreviewSaint-Saëns - Fantaisie - Flute
Fantaisie, Op.124, by Camille Saint-Saëns
Transcribed for Flute (originally for violin) by Peter H. Bloom
Flute Part, PDF $8.98
The following excerpt is taken from Peter H. Bloom's foreword to the edition:
"We flutists are always on the lookout for great repertoire to perform with harp, and the Fantaisie is a perfect gem to purloin from the violinists' repertoire. The expressively romantic melodies, lush impressionistic sonorities, athletic intervals, diversity of articulation, variety of dynamics, and evocative exoticism are ideal for the flute. The few problems of range are easily modified, customized, accommodated. As a duo, the work features both instruments in equally prominent and demanding roles. It's no surprise, then, that a number of flute transcriptions have been generated over the years. My goal, in this current work, is to provide fellow flutists with a significantly fresh approach to the Fantaisie.
Although a simplified adaptation of the Fantaisie is fairly straightforward, an arrangement that preserves the thrilling virtuosic intensity and rhetorical thrust of the work is another matter. An accurate presentation of Saint-Saëns's aural palette is essential to an authentic performance of the Fantaisie, and methods of achieving dynamic balance and tonal color often differ between flute and violin. The rhetorical nuances of articulation between the two instruments also require different approaches to achieve equivalent interpretations. The treatment of the violin pizzicato at measure 178, the elimination of articulation marks at measure 11, the inversions of double-stops/tremolos at measure 43-44 and 77-86, and the octave transposition from measure 184-194 exemplify these accommodations.
Violin double-stops present a conundrum. Technically impossible on the flute, double-stops are often reduced to a single line. The lower part is simply excised. But discarding the sonic complexity and virtuosic gesture of Saint-Saëns's parallel voicing dilutes the music and belies the composer's dramatic intentions. I've suggested double-stops be executed, on the flute, as tremolos. They're somewhat challenging but not impossible. Consider that the tremolo, as a virtuoso flute technique, was perhaps more popular during the composer's lifetime than in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Changes to the original violin part are made, here, with the intention of conserving the composer's ingenious creation. After a decade of study, experimentation, adjustment, and performance of this work, I've settled on a transcription for flute that conveys, with integrity, the musical spirit of the original orchestration."
P. H. Bloom, May 11, 2013 ©
Click the icon to listen to a portion of the Saint-Saëns's Fantaisie performed by the duo "2", Peter H. Bloom on flute and Mary Jane Rupert on harp. Or watch part of a performance video on YouTube.
Fantaisie, Op.124 was written originally for violin and harp. We provide the Fantaisie flute part transcribed by P. H. Bloom; the harp part is available as a free PDF download from online libraries of public domain music, such as imslp.org.
Flute part, 7 pages; Total, 12 pages.
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We also offer a professionally-printed hard copy edition of Fantaisie, Op.124 by Saint-Saëns, transcribed for Flute for $14.99 plus a $5.95 shipping and handling fee to addresses in the USA. Use the Contact Us form to let us know which hard copy publication(s) you would like to purchase, along with your email contact information and USPS mailing address. We will then send you a PayPal invoice for the sale and, once we receive notice from PayPal that you have paid for the item(s), we will ship your music to the address provided.
Saint-Saëns - Sonata - Alto Flute
Sonata, Op.166, by Camille Saint-Saëns
Transcribed for Alto Flute (and Piano) by C.A.Vater and J.W.Pratt
Alto Flute Part, PDF $6.99
Sonata, Opus 166 (Oboe Sonata in D major) was composed by Saint-Saëns in 1921, the year of his death, and has since become a standard of the oboe repertoire. Although written for oboe with accompaniment of piano, the piece is very well suited for alto flute. Played by either oboe or alto flute, this Sonata provides the soloist with opportunities to demonstrate both technical expertise and expressive performance. We provide here the alto flute part; the piano part is readily available in the public domain as a free pdf download of the original score for oboe and piano. Here is a link to one such source: Piano Score
Alto Flute part, 7 pages; Total, 9 pages.
PreviewSamolis - Canal - Soprano & Flute
Canal, by Matt Samolis
Contemporary Composition for Soprano and Flute, PDF $13.95
Matt Samolis began studying flute, then later composition and tenor banjo. He has worked with ensembles at New England Conservatory, Brandeis University, and Tufts University, as well as Open Hand Theatre, Pilgrim Research Collaborative, and numerous other projects. Currently, his primary focus is composition, curating, and performing as a flutist with various local groups, as well as his drone alliance, The Metal & Glass Ensemble.
Canal is written in a free, self referential style, and uses the text of Roy Campbell's poem of the same name, written in 1920. Despite the somber text, the mood is idyllic and somewhat reminiscent of the contemporary musical language in use at that time. Each player also has a brief ad lib section, where they can interpret the material as they choose.
Click to listen to two snippets of an audio recording of Canal, performed by soprano Noell Dorsey and composer/flutist Matt Samolis: Canal Owlseyes Canal Whiteflame
Score for Soprano and Flute, 5 pages; Total, 7 pages.
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US customers may purchase professionally-printed hard copies of Canal from Noteworthy Sheet Music for $20.93 plus a $5.95 shipping and handling fee. Please use the Contact Us form to let us know which print edition(s) you would like to purchase, along with your contact information and your USPO mailing address.
Samolis - Duo for Two Flutes - Flutes
Duo for Two Flutes, by Matt Samolis
Contemporary Composition for Two Flutes, PDF $17.99
Duo for Two Flutes was written using twelve tone techniques. The original tone row was divided in half, with each set of six tones being used to generate one of the flute parts. Frequently changing time signatures reflect compositional organization of the pitches, and does not establish meter. The piece has a playful, somewhat mechanical feel. 
To listen to bits of a recording of Duo for Two Flutes performed by Matt Samolis and Peter H. Bloom, click on the icons below.
Score for Two Flutes, 8 pages; Total, 11 pages.
PreviewSarasate - Romanza Andaluza - Flute
Romanza Andaluza, by Pablo de Sarasate
Transcribed for Flute (originally for violin) by Peter H. Bloom
Flute Part, PDF $6.66
'Pablo Sarasate was one of those rare violin virtuosos whose compositions, while designed to display instrumental athleticism, also expressed elegance, economy, imagination, a suave sensuality, and musical integrity. His music befits the sort of technique that, although acrobatic, is captivating rather than assaultive; evocative rather than provocative. It's with this spirit—to amuse, amaze, and engage the audience while providing a satisfying challenge to the performer—that I've adapted his Romanza Andaluza for flute.
Sarasate frequently used the musical material of folk songs and dances from his native Spain as a framework for his pieces. With the melody prescribed, the harmonies implied, and the style both familiar and exotic, he would paraphrase, embellish, and interpret as if to say "with the violin, we can do this..." Inspired by his source material, his methods, and his style, I propose that: With the flute, then, we can do this...' ― Peter H. Bloom, June 23, 2012 ©
Romanza Andaluza, Op.22 was written originally for violin and piano. Editions of the piano score (click to access) are available as free PDF downloads from online libraries of public domain music, such as imslp.org. We provide the Flute part - click below to preview p1.
Flute part, 4 pages; Total, 6 pages.
PreviewSchnauber - A Little Grand Wedding March Waltz - Piccolo and Trombone
A Little Grand Wedding March Waltz, by Tom Schnauber
Score for Piccolo and Trombone, PDF $4.99
This piece was written for the wedding of two good friends of mine from graduate school. One was a trombonist and the other a piccolo specialist. It was conceived in the lovely tradition of Hausmusik: short, simple, fun, and meant for two people to play with each other or for friends. Also, though the score indicates trombone and piccolo, it should be equally satisfying with a cello or bassoon on the lower part and a standard flute on the upper. Or even contrabassoon and piccolo . . . whatever you have available. —Tom Schnauber
Score, 3 pages; Total, 4 pages
PreviewSchnauber - Not-Pooh Songs - Female Voice and Flute or Female Voice and Oboe
Not-Pooh Songs, by Tom Schnauber
For Female Voice and Flute or Female Voice and Oboe, 2 editions
Score for Female Voice and Flute, PDF $18.46
Score for Female Voice and Oboe, PDF $18.46
Tom Schnauber’s Not-Pooh Songs are absolutely delightful. The composer has set to music six children’s poems by A. A. Milne, four from When We Were Very Very Young (“The Alchemist”, “The Mirror”, “The Four Friends”, and “If I Were King”) and two from Now We Are Six ("The Charcoal Burner" and "The Engineer"). The work is offered by Noteworthy Sheet Music, LLC in two publications, one for female voice and flute, the other for female voice and oboe. The oboe line is sufficiently different from the flute line in terms of register to warrant it being published as a separate edition (i.e., the flute version makes use of that instrument’s wider range by putting some material in higher octaves). Also, the flute edition includes an alternate variation of “The Mirror” for voice and alto flute, whereas the oboe edition includes an alternate variation of “The Mirror” for voice and English horn.
It’s clear from hearing this music that Schnauber gets a real kick out of Milne’s poetry. The flute/oboe comments, echoes, etc. go with or against the voice line very effectively and entertainingly. These songs will have broad appeal to both players and audiences, and there’s a lot that a pair of performers could do with them. The music isn’t easy, but provides just the sort of challenges that the adventuresome player loves; in places, for example, the flute jumps from C7 to C4, plays multiphonics, and executes finger snaps. But, as the composer has pointed out, just because the music is somewhat demanding doesn’t mean that it should be presented seriously in performance; on the contrary, players should have fun with these pieces and convey the intended joy and playfulness of the work.
Note that both performers are to play from the score, so flutists and oboists may want to print their copy of the score single-sided to avoid a few difficult page turns.
To listen to a recording of Not-Pooh Songs performed by Mitsi Westra, voice, and Pamela French, oboe, visit Tom Schnauber’s SoundCloud page at https://soundcloud.com/user-557772917/sets/not-pooh-songs.
► Schnauber - Not-Pooh Songs - Voice and Flute - PDF
Preview: Not-Pooh Songs for Voice and Flute, p1
Score for female voice and flute, 22 pages; Lyrics, 2 pages; Total, 28 pages.
► Schnauber - Not-Pooh Songs - Voice and Oboe - PDF
Preview: Not-Pooh Songs for Voice and Oboe, p7
Score for female voice and oboe, 22 pages; Lyrics, 2 pages; Total 28 pages
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Schnauber - Those Infernal Exsanguinators - Flute and Piano
Those Infernal Exsanguinators, by Tom Schnauber
Flute part and Piano score, PDF $17.97
Summer in Minnesota. The sun is setting, the broad sky is clear, and the cool light of dusk promises a welcome respite from the day’s heat and humidity. You step out into the stillness and stand, gazing at the orange-red horizon, thankful for the dimming light and approaching night. And then they come. Those insidious little creatures, those vile insects that define and destroy the season: the mosquitoes. Only some at first, few enough to make you think that if you swat them away, you can still enjoy the evening air. But then more come, and more, and even more. They whine, you moan, they sting, you slap, they swarm, you flail. Soon, your body a mass of swelling welts, you realize that the twilight peace you had hoped for when you left your house is a sham, an impossible illusion shattered by the piercing terror of those infernal exsanguinators. Angry and itching, you run back inside and slam the door shut. —Tom Schnauber
In October, 2020, we at NSM were delighted to welcome Tom Schnauber as one of our contributing contemporary composers; click the link to read about this acclaimed composer's career and his many exciting projects.
Those Infernal Exsanguinators is a compelling piece; to discover this for yourself, please visit Tom Schnauber's soundcloud page and listen to a recording of the work beautifully performed by Tamara Thweatt, flute, and Hey-Seon Choi, piano.
Piano Score, 18 pages; Flute part, 7 pages; Total, 28 pages.
PreviewSchubert - Rondo in B minor - Flute (and Piano)
Rondo in B minor, D.895, by Franz Schubert
Transcribed for Flute (and Piano) by J.W.Pratt and C.A.Vater
Flute Part, PDF $11.99
The Rondo in B minor, D.895 (alternatively known as Rondeau brillant) was written for violin and piano in 1826 by the great Austrian composer Franz Peter Schubert. Dedicated to the young violin virtuoso Josef Slawjk, the Rondo is demanding in both the solo and piano parts. The work consists of an Andante introduction and an Allegro rondo, and is quite long at 713 measures and typically some thirteen minutes or more in duration. Inexplicably, the piece is less familiar to players and audiences than many of Schubert’s other works. Brian Newbould, renowned composer, conductor, author, and Schubert expert, wrote of the Rondo in his treatise Schubert: The Music and the Man (University of California Press, Jan 1, 1997, p365): “Not surprisingly, perhaps, it is little known because it is seldom played. But it is also undervalued: it scintillates, dances and sings, with a blend of infectious joy, tireless energy, rhythmic zip and ‒ from time to time ‒ heart-melting turns of melody and harmony.”
These characteristics and the way the music realizes them are not only suitable to but often even suggestive of a wind instrument. Our transcription provides effective flute-friendly alternatives for the violin’s double-stops as well as for notes that fall below the flute’s range, so the piece can be played comfortably and beautifully on flute. The Rondo is virtuosic in places, showy and exciting, and overall great fun to play. The Noteworthy Sheet Music edition of our transcribed flute part does not include a re-notated copy of the score, since high-quality PDFs of the piano and violin score are freely available in the public domain and are sufficient to use along with our flute part, in lieu of violin. To download one such PDF of the score, please visit the Rondo’s page on IMSLP.
Flute part, 12 pages; Total 14 pages.
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