The St Francis Window for Alto Flute and Piano, Op. 67 (1986)

Ruth Gipps (1921–1999) was a formidable musician; she studied oboe and composition at the Royal College of Music under the supervision of Leon Goosens, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gordon Jacob, played oboe and cor anglais in the CBSO and also developed an interest in conducting when it was deemed inappropriate for a woman to do so. She  taught at conservatoires and universities, formed the London Repertoire Orchestra,  served as the Chair of the Composers Guild of Great Britain and was awarded an MBE.

Gipps’ compositional style follows the path of her teachers, favouring Romanticism over the prevailing avant-garde style of the twentieth century. This five-minute piece for alto flute and piano was written for Mark Underwood in 1986, and demonstrates a well-honed compositional craft in a lyrical, expressive style. First published by Tickerage Press, it is wonderful to see this new edition from Emerson Edition which ensures the music is preserved for future generations. Gipps was often disadvantaged, especially in the early part of her career, as a result of being a woman, and her music deserves to be better known.

Gipps makes effective use of the alto flute; she does not shy away from the 3rd octave, but uses it sensitively and with an understanding of the inevitable change of tone colour it provides. There is plenty of scope to demonstrate the richness of the low register,  including some optional low Bs for those with an extended footjoint (ossias are provided). The music explores the expressive character of the alto flute in an almost meditative mood, frequently using the softer end of the dynamic range.

The piano part sometimes takes over the melodic interest, and otherwise provides a chordal accompaniment to support the alto flute without dominating.

This is a beautiful piece, of intermediate level, which deserves a place in the recital repertoire. Highly recommended.