Composer

:

Katherine Hoover

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1984

Average_duration

:

16:46

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Katherine Hoover's "Medieval Suite for flute & piano, Op. 18a" is a four-movement work that was composed in 1972. The piece was premiered in New York City in 1973 by flutist Paula Robison and pianist Samuel Sanders. The first movement, "Estampie," is a lively dance that features a driving rhythm and a modal melody. The flute and piano trade off the melody and accompaniment, creating a sense of dialogue between the two instruments. The second movement, "Ballade," is a slower, more contemplative piece. The flute plays a mournful melody over a simple piano accompaniment, evoking a sense of longing or nostalgia. The third movement, "Saltarello," is a fast and energetic dance that features virtuosic flute passages and a lively piano accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and playful melodies. The final movement, "Rondeau," is a lively and joyful dance that brings the suite to a rousing conclusion. The flute and piano play off each other in a series of call-and-response phrases, building to a triumphant finale. Overall, Hoover's "Medieval Suite" is a charming and accessible work that showcases the versatility of the flute and the expressive possibilities of the piano. The piece draws on medieval dance forms and modal harmonies to create a sense of timelessness and nostalgia, while also incorporating modern techniques and idioms to keep the music fresh and engaging.

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