Flute, cello and piano together make a highly effective trio, and it doesn’t have to be all Baroque. Try these remarkable contemporary works which show what this combination is capable of.
Nikolai Kapustin: Trio Op 86 for Flute, Cello and Piano
This is an unusual work for this very classical combination. The opening is striking and improvisational-style, adding zest to the writing. The second movement is more conventional in style but the full-on jazz drive returns in the third movement. This would shake up an audience for sure! Difficulty Guide 9
Blaž Pucihar: Full Moon Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano
Blaž Pucihar has come up with a beautiful piece for flute, cello and piano. The opening has a mysterious flavour which is followed by an exuberant Presto. There is then a more refective interlude before the Presto returns to close the work. If you love Blaž Pucihar’s other music, you’ll love this! Difficulty Guide 8
Stacy Garrop: Silver Dagger for Flute/Piccolo, Cello and Piano
The Appalachian love song that forms the basis of this fascinating piece opens on the piccolo and is immediately engaging. The variations on this – and its companion tune – are in turn passionate and desolate, resulting in a work that is full of American colour. The piccolo melody is restated at the end which seems only to add more pathos to the writing. Unusual and wonderful. Difficulty Guide 9
Jake Heggie: Full Circle 50 for Flute, Cello and Piano
In this substantial work for flute, cello and piano Jake Heggie uses all the colouring of the instruments to give each of the four movements their individual character. The flowing piano accompaniment in ‘Golden’ underpins the gentle lines of the melody instruments, whilst ‘Travel Travail’ is much more angular. ‘Hummingbird’ is marked ‘gently swaying’ and ‘Full Circle’ brings the work to a virtuoso close. This is an unusual piece which is contemporary but without real dissonance and it would make a really good addition to any flute and cello recital. Difficulty Guide 9
Hilary Tann: The Gardens of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici for Flute, Cello and Piano
This is a mesmerising piece which weaves a spell over the listener with its Japanese minimalist style. The first movement, Just to see something beautiful, opens with a long flute solo, joined eventually by high piano fluttering which takes us immediately to the Orient. Fools hurry is more animated with the cello taking a more active role. The piano ending is beautiful. The third movement is sad and heartbreaking with a cascading central section. This is a lovely piece – don’t miss it! Difficulty Guide 9
