Shey Dillon

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Publication Date

Spring 4-28-2013

Year of Release

2013

Note(s)

Shey Dillon, flute

accompanied by:

William Murphy, piano

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music Performance. Ms. Dillon is a student in the studio of Dr. Wendell Dobbs.

Program Notes

Francis Poulenc: Sonata for flute and piano

Composed in 1957, the Sonate pour Flute et Piano by French composer Francis Poulenc is one of the best known pieces in 201h century flute repertoire. Dedicated to the memory of American music patroness Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, the work was also written for and premiered by famous flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal.

The piece begins with a four note flute figure, which reoccurs throughout the first movement. Poulenc himself described the figure as "a falling autumn leaf," encouraging its first appearance to be extremely graceful, and slightly slowed. The rest of the movement continues in strict time.

The second movement is very slow and soft, featuring a hauntingly beautiful, song-like melody constructed around a Bb minor scale.

In extreme contrast to the previous movement, the final movement is brisk and energetic. The themes and tempo are comparable to the French cabaret music, which Poulenc enjoyed while growing up in France.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Suite de Ballet for flute and piano

Ralph Vaughan Williams was a 20th century English composer, best known for his collections and arrangements of English folk songs. While not one of his better known works, Suite De Ballet for Flute and Piano, composed around 1924, is a prime example of this. Each of the four movements is influenced by or taken from English folk songs and dances.

The first movement, Improvisation, is slow and lyrical, and meant to sound as if the flute is improvising the ethereal melody. Humoresque is a short, quick and lively movement, which is characteristic of the humoresque genre.

Although originating in France, the gavotte was also a very popular dance in England. Gavotte, as is common for any gavotte, begins in the middle of a bar, and then continues with an easy dance feel.

The final movement, Passepied, is the longest and most exciting movement. However, unlike traditional passepied dances, this movement is notated in 2/4, instead of 3/8 or 6/8.

Bohuslav Martin: Trio for flute, cello and piano

Born in 1890, Czech composer and violinist Bohuslav Martinu was a prominent composer of the neo-classical movement during the 20th century. Martinu, although native to Czechoslovakia, spent many years composing in Paris, France. When France was invaded by Germany during World War II, Martinu escaped and emigrated to the United States. It was there, in 1944, that Martinu composed his Trio for flute, cello and piano. The Trio very clearly illustrated Martinu's neo-classical style of composition, resembling the form.

The jubilant first movement is in traditional sonata form, first presenting two themes, developing them, and then a recapitulation, or return to the original themes. It is concluded by an exciting coda.

The second movement is slower, opening with a somber piano solo. The cello and flute then enter, trading the melodies between them. The effect is very dramatic, shifting between moods of hope and despair.

Continuing the emotion of the second movement, the final movement begins with a low and haunting flute solo. Upon the conclusion of the flute solo, however, the movement returns to the jubilance of the very beginning of the piece with an exciting allegretto theme. In the middle of the movement, there is a slow and lovely section, reminding the listeners of the dramatic previous movement. But, the allegretto theme returns as the piece concludes. Notes by Shey Dillon

Note

Jomie Jazz Forum

Library of Congress Authorities

Poulenc, Francis, 1899-1963. Sonatas, flute, piano

Vaughan Williams, Ralph, 1872-1958. Suite de ballet

Martinů, Bohuslav, 1890-1959. Trios, piano, flute, cello

Keywords

recitals, flute, piano, violoncello, trios

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Fine Arts | Music | Music Performance

Marshall University Music Department Presents a Senior Recital, Shey Dillon, flute

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