Seafarers [4 Flutes and Piano]

A nautical journey for the unusual combination of four flutes and piano, Seafarers consists of three movements. Bon Voyage sets us off on our travels with melodies that suggest jaunty sailors and rolling waves. Mermaids flows sinuously, playing with lots of dynamic variations—mostly at the quiet end of the spectrum—and airy ‘no breath’ notes. Pirates brings a mixture of sea shanty and drama with passages of semiquavers which crescendo and diminuendo as if to depict the approach of the pirates, a battle, and perhaps also the rolling waves. A quickening tempo, rising pitch and loud volume bring the piece to a resounding, and I think victorious, conclusion.

All four flute parts provide challenge for players of at least Grade 6 upwards. As far as learning individual parts goes, the biggest challenge is probably getting familiar with all the acciden-tals. There’s nothing too rhythmically difficult, but the flute parts are often in rhythmic unison and close harmony, so coordinating as group is likely to take practice, especially when the piano is added into the equation! Likewise, there are many precise dynamic markings where the ensemble will need to be carefully balanced, but which are very effective in performance. This piece is worth the effort to get these details right, as it’s enjoyable to play and engaging to listen to.