Sonata for Flute and Piano

This sonata follows the traditional fast-slow-fast pattern, and many thematic elements cross-fertilise the three movements. The opening Allegro moderato is quite athletic, though with contrasting ‘dreamy’ episodes, whilst the second movement combines more sombre, almost ceremonial music with a clearly singing melody. This movement also makes more use of the hauntingly beautiful lower register of the flute in its quieter moments.

The finale has rondo-like elements and is strongly driven and exuberant, sometimes even playful although, as with the first movement, there are more reflective and mysterious episodes which explore the use of the sustaining pedal on the piano.

The first public performance of the Flute Sonata was given by flautist Emma Halnan and pianist Daniel King Smith at St John’s Smith Square, London, on 28th March 2019. The first movement was broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on the programme ‘In Tune’ on 27th March 2019.