Controversies for flute and piano (Evgenia Marchuk) DIGITAL

This is a 2.5 minute work at an Early Advanced work that introduces frullato.

This is a short one-movement work that incorporates a very typical classical like phrase but has it be in conflict or “controversy” by the introduction of extended techniques to throw off the phrase. The composer describes that the work “tells about the search for harmony and peace in society. Often, competing with each other, we lose our true human qualities, which can lead to tragedy. However, this piece has a positive ending - with the belief that love of the heart and wisdom ultimately win in our world.” The work begins with the piano introducing a rhythmic motif on the highest C on the piano. The flute enters dissonantly on a D using frullato to distort the tone that is preceded by a B grace note to compete against the C the piano is playing. During the flute long notes the piano has virtuosic flourishes of notes. After this introduction, the flute presents a very consonant and classical era-like melody in F major tonality reminiscent of a gavotte. The piano begins to be in dispute with this as they do large glissandos and introduce dissonant notes outside of the flute’s F major tonality. Eventually, this becomes repeated eighth note G’s in the piano, while the flute continues their F major melody. Over time, the flute becomes more influenced to incorporate flourishes of technique, double tonguing articulation, and extended techniques such as frullato, air noise, and key clicks. As well, the flute’s original melody becomes fragmented to create more discohesion. This leads to the end of the work when all of this controversy between the two instruments climax into a large glissando in opposite directions, ascending in the flute and descending in the piano to conclude the work.

More information: https://www.ukrainianchambermusic.com/#/piece/MARCHUK%2C%20Evgenia/Controversies

Recording: https://youtu.be/U_f3q2T3FXU?si=ALcQ-XaV-NnqoxPc