Composer

:

Frank Martin

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Ballade

Compose Date

:

1939

First Performance

:

Nov 29, 1939

Average_duration

:

7:38

Frank Martin's Ballade for flute, with small orchestra, was composed in 1939 and premiered in Zurich, Switzerland in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the orchestra. The flute enters with a more lyrical melody, which is then developed and expanded upon by both the flute and the orchestra. The movement features a call-and-response between the two, with the flute often taking on a more virtuosic role. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and contemplative section. The flute plays a mournful melody, accompanied by lush harmonies from the orchestra. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding back into the melancholic theme. The final movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic section. The flute and orchestra engage in a playful dialogue, with the flute often taking on a more playful and whimsical role. The movement features a number of virtuosic passages for the flute, showcasing the instrument's agility and range. Overall, Martin's Ballade for flute, with small orchestra, is a masterful showcase of the flute's capabilities. The piece features a number of challenging passages for the soloist, while also highlighting the instrument's lyrical and expressive qualities. The orchestration is lush and colorful, providing a rich backdrop for the flute's melodies.

More....