Winter Solstice for Alto Flute and Piano

This piece by the American composer Laura Pettigrew uses all the colours across the range of the alto flute to create the bleakness of the winter months. There is warmth in the sun certainly but from the stark solo opening, the wandering lines and sensitive piano writing give a feeling of loneliness before becoming more animated. The darkness returns culminating in a passionate cadenza. There are no contemporary effects here, only simple writing which really delivers a punch. Winter is cold and dark but there is always promise of that sun somewhere!