December 2
Winter Spirits
Katherine Hoover (1937-2018)
Katherine Hoover, born on this day in 1937, was an American composer and flutist who lived mostly in New York City. Winter Spirits is influenced by the sounds of Native American music, specifically the Hopi tribe of the American Southwest. An accomplished flutist herself, Hoover’s music capitalizes on the unique characteristics of the instrument, weaving together themes that are at times playful and at other times soaring.
NFA Rep Guide Level I.
Performed by Dorion Burkett.
December 16
Allegro and Menuett
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Happy Birthday to Ludwig van Beethoven, born on this day in 1770! This duet was supposedly written as a souvenir to his friend, J.M. Degenhart, on the occasion of Beethoven’s departure from his hometown in Bonn. Written in 1792, the piece is a charming display of young Beethoven’s early classical style.
Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley and Philip Snyder.
December 22
Density 21.5
Edgard Varèse (1883-1965)
Flutists are lucky to have solo works written by some of the leading 20th-century composers, including Edgard Varèse, born on this day in 1883. The composer’s affinity for electronic sounds is reflected in the sharp dynamic changes of Density 21.5 that make it exciting to practice and perform. The extremes of range throughout the piece push the possibilities of the instrument and were likely meant to show off the capabilities of Georges Barrère’s newly-minted platinum flute, to which the composition is dedicated. We who play simpler, silver flutes still find joy in exploring the possibilities of our instruments by performing this work.
NFA Rep Guide Level I
Performed by Blair Francis Paponiu