Selected French Works for Flute and Piano

Compilations always represent very good value even if you already own some of the pieces included and this book is no exception. The repertoire here is more diverse than often so along with the Bozza Aria you will find pieces by Augusta Holmes and Reynaldo Hahn, gems by Mel Bonis and Germaine Tailleferre, and the wonderful Lili Boulanger Nocturne. The bonus is the complete Arrieu Sonatina. This book is definitely worth a look! 

This useful volume brings together a selection of 10 original works for flute and piano from the end of the 19th century and first half of the twentieth century. Aimed at intermediate level players, the pieces are often short and full of charm and expression; they do not have the technical fireworks of the familiar Paris Conservatoire test pieces that we all know and love, but they exemplify the French compositional style of the time and are ideal recital pieces.

There are some familiar works within the selection; Bozza’s Aria is a wonderfully expressive and melodic piece which really presents an opportunity to sing. No selection of French flute works from this era would be complete without Gaubert making an appearance, and his Soir sur la plaine, written in 1914, is an enjoyable addition here. There are also highly enjoyable works by Alphonse Catherine and Reynaldo Hahn.

However, it is the women composers which provide the true magic in this selection. The most recent piece in the collection, Germaine Taillferre's Forlane, composed in 1972. Lili Boulanger's D’un matin de printemps has gained some attention recently, and absolutely deserves to have a place in every flute player's repertoire. This is a well-crafted piece, full of elegant charm and lyrical energy. Claude Arrieu's Sonatine is another highly enjoyable work; readers may already know the first movement from previous exam syllabuses, but the Presto 3rd movement is great fun and really worth exploring. Also in this collection are the Trois Petites Pièces by Augusta Holmès, which culminate in an Irish-influenced Gigue, and the Pièce by Mel Bonis, which was the first piece she wrote for the flute.

The book is well presented and provides an excellent opportunity to explore some wonderful gems in the repertoire. Perfect for any flute player's library!