Flute Trios

The Flute trios which Joseph Haydn composed in London in 1794 are spirited pieces similar to divertimenti. They first became known thanks to Leo Balet's carefully prepared edition of 1933. These trios which are of moderate difficulty and let both Flutes partake in the musical activity to an equal extent have won a permanent place in Flute teaching as well as in home music making.

Flute Friction is a series of flute duets in three books aimed at flautists from grade 1 to 8. 15 Flute duets. 10 Flute Trios.In this first book in the series ten flute trios are also included which teachers will find particularly profitable when working with small groups although the main emphasis in this series is on the interaction between two players similar in standard. In many cases each part is given equal importance so it is the ease with which players can shift from pole position to a more supporting role and back again that poses the principle challenge. Elsewhere the spoils are slightly less equitably carved up and again teachers willquickly gauge for themselves which pieces best suit the abilities and personalities of their students. If teachers can get their students to learn both parts in each piece then in a sense the books immediately double in value!I like to think of these pieces as being useful from a number of viewpoints and would suggest using them in a variety of ways not exclusively as light relief at the end of lessons. Duets are an excellent way of improving sight-reading to be sure as well as building confidence and assertiveness. But at least as importantly they nurture that most underestimated of skills listening without which musical accomplishment is doomed to certain failure. If the teacher is limited in pianistic ability then duets offer a much needed chance for students to play in a small ensemble setting which is the first stage to being able to 'hold a line' in a wind band or orchestra.Above all perhaps the sheer joy of being part of a 'winning team' can hardly be overestimated; played well a duet is greater than the sum of its parts and may well have the potential to please in a concert setting. The business of matching intonation is of course especially important in duets and similarly taking breaths in suitable places is critical to the way an audience understands the overall musical texture.Balance

Carefully selected and edited trios by Gervaise Praetorius Quantz Boismortier Walkiers and Kummer.

Two Trios arranged for Bass Flute Trumpet (B Flat) Viola Bass Clarinet Cello and Piano.

Op. 3 Volume 1 Nos 1-3 for 2 flutes/oboes/violins (recorders in C) and basso continuo.

Duets and trios-The two Cool Flute books of duets and trios are a collection of fun-to-play pieces. They can either be played alongside the teacher or by two or three flautists of similar ability. Book 1 is for players of grade 1-3 standardwhilst Book 2 presents suitable challenges for players of about grade 4-6 standard.

Trevor Wye (b. 1935) is an English flautist pedagogue and music editor who has been playing the flute for over 65 years. Despite not attending any conservatory or university he has held professorships at both theGuildhall School of Music and the RNCM. He has written several successful educational flute works and edited many more. The third volume of Wye’s Flute Duets contains six easy and tuneful Sonatas by the19th century composer and flautist Eugène Walkiers (1793-1866) taken from his opus 55. Walkiers is best remembered for his Flute duets trios and quartets compositions which are far superior to his solo works.

London with its bustling musical scene always provided Haydn with welcome surroundings at a time when the Flute was extraordinarily popular among English amateurs. The Earl of Abingdon an accomplished flautist undoubtedly enjoyed playing these entertaining trios. Abingdon was a member of Haydn?s circle of acquaintances in London and a composer in his own right: a theme from one of his songs (?The Lady?s Mirror?) servedHaydn for a set of variations in the second trio. Neither of the men could have foreseen the huge success that these cheerful and straightforward pieces would enjoy among music-lovers all over the world.