J.S. Bach – Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Flute and alto flute · Wonderful Winds
Flute Music
Arrangements for flute and alto flute by Barbara Hill, from Bach and Mozart to the violin and viola duo repertoire.
Published arrangements
Available from the publishers.
J.S. Bach – Italian Concerto, BWV 971
Flute and alto flute · Wonderful Winds
W.A. Mozart – Two Duets, KV 423 and 424
Flute and alto flute · Edition Kossack
“…impresses as if it were originally composed for flutes. A real enrichment to the flute repertoire.”
„Das Werk scheint für diese Besetzung geradezu geschaffen zu sein und ist somit eine echte Bereicherung des Repertoires.“
From the violin and viola repertoire
The violin and viola duo repertoire provides a rich source of music for flute players.
Alessandro Rolla (1757–1841) and Louis Spohr (1784–1859) were among the leading violin and viola virtuosos of their time, and they were also prolific composers for their instruments. Their compositions gave the viola equal significance to the violin, requiring excellent technical mastery and depth of sound. This makes them particularly rewarding for players of the alto flute, who can develop their skills considerably with this repertoire.
Alessandro Rolla was also the concertmaster and assistant conductor of La Scala, Milan, as well as professor of violin and viola at the Milan Conservatory. He became known throughout Europe as the teacher of a whole generation of famous string players, including the young Niccolò Paganini. As the most brilliant violist of his time, he succeeded in changing the viola's image as a purely accompanying instrument, in particular through his virtuosic and expressive compositions for it.
Louis Spohr was also highly regarded during his lifetime as a performer, conductor, composer and teacher of violin and viola. His compositions, which include 10 symphonies, 10 operas and numerous chamber music works, span the transition between Classical and Romantic music.
Notes on the arrangements
In my arrangements of the violin and viola duets by these composers it was often necessary to transpose the music to higher keys: although the alto flute is a fifth lower than the flute, it does not have the far-reaching low register of the viola.
The main challenge, however, particularly for alto flute players, is the lack of breathing spaces in the long phrases of these string parts. I have marked suggestions for breaths, as well as places where a short note can be left out for this purpose.
These are small compromises in view of the gain to our flute repertoire of these beautifully crafted and sonorous works.
The Rolla and Spohr duos, along with Cambini's Duo I and two sets of operatic arias, are available as PDF score and parts in the shop.
Questions about the music?
Barbara is happy to help you choose an arrangement for your level, or sort out a problem with a download.