Concertante 'Dragon Court' for Flute Ensemble

If you are an ambitious flute ensemble this would be an excellent piece to try. Classic Katherine Hoover in style, she wrote so well for her instrument that everything in this challenging piece works.This makes it ideal for an advanced group which is interested in something different but using conventional notation. The opening movement is underpinned by a syncopated rhythm which allows the soloists to whizz over the top.  Slow, atmospheric harmonies colour the Andante. This gradually builds to a climax which is quite chilling, bringing to mind music from a suspense thriller! The final movement has all the hallmarks of the jazz-age but with an interesting harmonic twist. Hoover uses all the instruments skillfully to make the textures varied. The solo writing is carefully integrated into the whole in true concertante fashion, sparing use of the piccolo increases its impact and the bass writing is great! If nothing else this work would certainly be a talking point in the concert interval!