Ten Studies for Solo Flute

These studies were written in 1985 but were first published in 2022. Aimed at intermediate level players, they serve as excellent material for practising patterns which are likely to be encountered in jazz and contemporary music, including whole tone scales, quartal harmony, diminished scales and additive rhythms. The ten piece are enjoyable and feature just enough repetition to help to develop a facility in the area of focus for each one. The preface states that metronome marks can be approached flexibly, meaning it's also possible to push the tempo to a faster pace once the fingering patterns are accomplished.

The first stusy is a wonderful resource for rhythmic practice, with quaver patterns moved between different time signatures. There are some fun chromatic alterations to explore in the second one, while the third is helpful for dexterity in quartal arpeggios, combining air flow and fingers for a smooth legato. No 4 is more expressive, while the firth one is a lively waltz with plenty of character. Fourths return as a feature of No 6, this time in a more lyrical style, and No 7 zips around chromatic passages at an impressively fast tempo. In 8 there's an opportunity to work on articulation, and 9 is one of my favourites with its fast flowing semiquaver lines. Finally, No 10 is great for legato playing and tone development in the different registers.

This is an enjoyable book of studies which feels less dry than some of the more traditional books and serves and a nice introduction to jazz note patterns for intermediate players. The music is clearly printed and well laid out in Forton's customary house style.