The Romantic Flutist - Chopin: 10 Waltzes and 10 Nocturnes for Flute and Piano

Stallman begins his publications with a preface, noting Listz's explantion of why Chopin's style is so reminiscent of the human voice, why it it appropriate that the flute repertoire should incorporate such work and how Chopin can "invite us to become more sensitive musicians, whilst offering us unlimited inspiration".  The purpose of this selection of music, then, is to promote the expressive art of bel canto, including elements such as rich tone and smooth phrasing, which Stallman deems so important to Chopin's work.  His selection of twenty pieces transcribed for flute and piano show a myriad of possibilities for expanding the flute repertoire beyond Chopin's own single piece for the flute.  Highlighting key musical lines from the piano part in the flute's melody, this selection provides useful studies for improving technique and musicality: the waltzes all include repetition of notes in various keys, often with tricky finger movements in the lower right hand, whilst the fluctuation in dynamic expression challenges the user's expression.  The frequency of tuplets throughout the pieces are useful for student's practice of pulse, counting, sub-dividing and articulation.  Although playing through these pieces in succession might only be possible under concentrated coditions, this book provides a selection of studies appropriate for the intermediate/advanced student or performer looking for occasional alternative repertoire.  The arrangement of the pieces (consisting largely of accompanying quaver patterns) may not lend to the lyricism of bel canto, but the user has a selection of technical works in which to incorporate tone practice and phrasing.