Sonata

Program Note The Sonata for solo flute is a musical portrait of my friend and colleague James Kortum. Its inspiration comes from working with James over many years. We taught in adjacent rooms at Newcastle Conservatorium, hearing James practice was always part of my day. His wizzy technique on the flute, a luscious slow movement, and the orchestral repertoire for flute – Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights dream is a favorite. On hearing whistle tones for the first time, I knew that this eerie sound would have to be a feature of the Sonata.