Six Menuettos

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2 — This two-flute arrangement of Six Menuettos was created for two reasons. First, to add works by women composers to the extensive repertoire of nineteenth-century flute duos; and second, to create accessible works for students thus creating a newnorm in which students are exposed to works by women composers in all genres. Despite the tempo markings, these duetscan be played at varying tempi to accommodate different levels of performers. The reference recordings, released by the Cherry Street Duo, were purposely played at medium tempi to demonstrate accessibility to younger audiences. With both parts demanding equal playing ability, each flutist can showcase their virtuosity, lyricism, and wide range. There are optional octave changes for more advanced players in Menuettos No. 4 and No. 6, which are also the most advanced duets of the collection. All minuets are written with a da capo ending, except Menuetto No. 5 which has the da capo written out for ease of reading. Because the da capo is written out in Menuetto No. 5, page turns are more difficult in the parts. While there is no rallentando leading into rehearsal F, an easy musical solution to the page turn would be to add one, and/or a cesura, to facilitate the page turn. The menuettos range in length from three to five minutes and can be played separately, in various combinations, or all together as one large work. These duos are perfect for intermediate to advanced high school students performing at Solo and Ensemble contests as well as professionals wanting to perform with their flute friends and colleagues. "Six Menuettos" was originally written for piano and published in 1819. These minuets are in standard minuet form with a trio or double trio. Spanning numerous keys, these minuets are virtuosic in nature and demand a highly stylized approach. Noted flutist, Sophia Tegart has created accessible works for flute students thus creating a new norm in which students are exposed to works by women composers in all genres.