Twelve Flute Studies

It is always difficult for a composer to write studies intended for an instrument of which he has no personal experience. It is indeed essential to have a thorough knowledge of all its technical resources in order to write a study containing the ingredients necessary for it to be of use.

Marcel Bitsch studied to advantage the difficulties of the flute, and has been able to draw from his research, material rich in educational value. His studies will be useful for improving technique, and will I am sure, enjoy a very favourable reception from flautists. Each study contains a clearly defined piece of work and possesses its own character besides, for at the same time as he was writing an educational work, Bitsch was working as a composer.

By virtue of their musical interest, most of his studies are suitable for concert performance as pieces for solo flute. I had much pleasure in practising them myself, and the student who includes them in his daily exercises will be on account more familiar with contemporary musical writing.