January 26
La Lumiere Blanche from Au-delà du Temps
Yuko Uebayashi

Born in Japan, Yuko Uebayashi currently lives in Paris and her music brings the rich French flute tradition into the 21st century. Au dela du temps (Beyond Time) is a sublime work for two flutes and piano- a beautiful illustration of Ms. Uebayashi’s compositional style. This performance of the third movement, La Lumiere Blanche (White Light), was given in October,2018 as part of the UofSC Flute Studio Alumni Recital Series. There is nothing quite like the experience of playing with former students, now friends and colleagues – so much wrapped up in these few minutes: pride, gratefulness, joy, empathy and connection.

Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute
Blair Francis (BM 2012), flute Winifred Goodwin, piano

January 27
Dialogues
Jean-Michel Damas

Born on this day, Jean-Michele Damase (1928-2013) wrote prolifically for the flute. He described his own music as, “basically music that is cheerful and singing, but also enriched with a certain nostalgia and a little depth.” His flute writing also exhibits a thorough knowledge of the instrument and a playful rhythmic sense, making it a joy to play.

Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley and Wendy Cohen
Recorded by Jeff Francis

September 5
Three Pieces for Two Flutes
John Cage

Today we celebrate the birthday of the iconic American composer, John Cage who was born on September 5, 1912. These three early pieces of the composer were written in 1935 while Cage was studying with Arnold Schoenberg. The pieces can be seen as studies in chromatic counterpoint and the Grave movement, recorded here, tricks the listener’s ear as the two flutists swap registers and parts of the beat to create striking composite rhythms and harmonies.

Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley and Philip Snyder

September 11
Rondo from Duo Op. 39
Friedrich Kuhlau

Friedrich Kuhlau was born on this day in 1786 in Germany. Although he is best known for his piano music, flutists love him for his duets, trios and Grand Quartet. There are few things that are more fun than playing music with friends – thanks to UofSC alumnus Zach Warren for joining me for this recording of the Rondo from Duo I, Op. 39. Zach is now the second flutist with the Tucson Symphony.

Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley and Zach Warren (UofSC BM 2017)
Recorded by Jeff Francis

September 17
O tu suavissima virga
Hildegard von Bingen

Today we celebrate the birthday of Hildegard of Bingen who was born in 1098. She was a Saint and a Benedictine abbess who wrote many liturgical songs among other compositions and scholarly writings. This version for two flutes was arranged by Samantha Marshall.

Performed by Samantha Marshall and Zach Warren

December 16
Allegro and Menuett
Ludwig van Beethoven

Happy Birthday to Ludwig van Beethoven, born on this day in 1770! It was supposedly written as a souvenir to his friend, J.M. Degenhart, on the occasion of Beethoven’s departure from his hometown in Bonn. This piece, written in 1792, is a charming display of young Beethoven’s early classical style.

Performed by Jennifer Parker-Harley and Philip Snyder.