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David Summer Flute Podcast
All Recordings © Copyright 2008 by David Summer
Selected Duets for Flute Podcast-
Using his home recording studio, David has recorded some of the duets from the book
Selected Duets for Flute, Volume 1 Edited by H.Voxman.
These flute duets are standard learning material for flute students taking
flute lessons and are fun to play for all flutists.
The duets can also be used by two flutists in performance. They are especially effective for
wedding ceremonies, church services and other occasions calling for elegant music.
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Selected Duets for Flute podcast on iTunes.
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As a resource for flute students and flute teachers, David has also recorded each of these duets in a flute 2 only version that can be used as a play along.
"Both Flutes" is a recording of the two flute parts together. "Flute 2 Part Only" is a recording of the second flute part alone to be used as a play-along.
The "Flute 2 Part Only" duets start with metronome clicks lasting for 2 measures so you can come right in with the recording.
Use the Flute One part in your
Selected Duets book to play along with this recording.
School music teachers, teaching band and orchestra, as well as flute instructors, may share these recordings with their flute students.
Flutists engaged in giving private flute lessons may find these recordings to be a valuable adjunct to their instruction.
Each week, David adds a new recording from
Selected Duets for Flute to his Selected Duets podcast.
The flute podcast, available on iTunes, contains the recordings of both flutes. The "Flute 2 Part Only" play along tracks can be found each week on this page.
Listen to more of David's recordings featuring the flute, trumpet, trombone and keyboard by visiting the
Recording page.
Episode 32
Page34 #1, Two Duets from Op.20
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 34 Number 1, performed by David Summer.
This section of the Selected Duets book contains four duets by Kummer. Kaspar Kummer (1795-1870) wrote many pieces for woodwinds, including several chamber pieces for flute. This piece is a very pretty and understated duet.
The tempo marking “Andante con moto” translates to "at a walking pace with motion". I interpret that to mean “not too fast, but keep moving”.
This duet presents a good opportunity for the teacher to talk about legato playing, since much of the duet is in a legato style.
The repeat is omitted, and the metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 88.
Episode 31
Page33 #4, Contrefeseur
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 33 Number 4, performed by David Summer.
The title of this duet, "Contrefeseur" translates into English as "the imitator" or "the mimic". As with the first duet in this section of the book, Le Tourbillon, this duet lives up to its name. The flute 2 part imitates the flute 1 line at the beginning of both sections of the duet and again in the last line. This imitation, at a lively pace, can prove challenging for a student.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 69.
Episode 30
Page33 #3, Le Sauteur
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 33 Number 3, performed by David Summer.
The title of this duet, "Le Sauteur" translates into English as "the jumper". It's another lively duet in 6/8 time.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 66.
Episode 29
Page32 #2, Le Chasseur
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 32 Number 2, performed by David Summer.
The title of this duet, "Le Chasseur" translates into English as "the hunter". There is a famous cookware company named "Le Chasseur" as well as a movie with Steve McQueen called "Le Mans Le Chasseur", that features an interesting score by composer Michel Legrand.
Like earlier duets in this book, this duet is in 6/8 time at a fast tempo, played "in 2". It seems, from the title, that the duet is meant to invoke images of a hunt.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 66.
Episode 28
Page32 #1, Le Tourbillon
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 32 Number 1, performed by David Summer.
The title of this duet, "Le Tourbillon" translates into English as "the top" or "the whirlwind". This duet lives up to its name by congering up the image of a whirlwind. "The Tourbillon" is also the title of a Mickey Mouse cartoon produced by Walt Disney for RKO Radio Pictures, and released on 14 February 1941. In it, Mickey is attempting to rake some leaves when a mini tomato begins to thwart his efforts.
I've found that students are often challenged by having to move back and forth between the 16th notes and the 8th notes in the top line of this duet. This is a good duet to use to reinforce the idea of subdividing the beat. It's also a good one to assign the student both lines of the duet since the second line presents the same type of rhythmic challenge, adding quarter notes to the mix.
The composer of the duets in this section of the book, Jacques Aubert, was a French composer and violinist writing in the first half of the 1700's.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 72.
Episode 27
Page31 #9, Menuets I & II
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 31 Number 9, performed by David Summer.
These 2 minuets have the same key relationship as the two duets on page 28, the first one is in the key of C and the second in c minor. (Although, again the key signature of the second duet doesn't accurately portray the key of c minor). They are also a bit more fluid in style than the previous pairs.
With these two minuets, we come to the end of the section of the book devoted to the duets of Boismortier. As previously mentioned this composer was very prolific and wrote pieces that were commercial for his time. He wrote several flute sonatas and one of his most interesting works is "Six Concertos for Five Flutes". A recording of these concertos and more of his compositions for flute can be found on Amazon.com.
There are no repeats taken in this performance, but again the DC to the first minuet is taken, and the metronome setting is quarter note = 120.
Episode 26
Page30 #8, Menuets I & II
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 30 Number 8, performed by David Summer.
Like the previous duets entitled "Menuet" this is a spelling variation on the word "Minuet". These two minuets are both in the key of C, the second one does not change key to the parallel minor, as the previous pair of minuets did.
The prolific Boismortier, the composer of all the duets in this section of the Selected Duets book, wrote often for the flute. He even wrote a flute method book that unfortunately is now lost.
There are no repeats taken in this performance, but again the DC to the first minuet is taken, and the metronome setting is quarter note = 120.
Episode 25
Page29 #6, Rustic Dance
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 29 Number 6, performed by David Summer.
This duet, Rustic Dance is in 2/2, which is also known as "cut time" or "alla breve". Cut time usually implies a fast tempo. It's often used in marches. It's also often used in show tunes, especially during dance sections. The duet lives up to its name by effectively invoking images of a rustic dance.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 84.
Episode 24
Page28 #5, Menuets I & II
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 28 Number 5, performed by David Summer.
Like the previous duet entitled, "Menuet" this is a spelling variation on the word "Minuet".
These 2 minuets have a key relationship, in that the first one is in the key of C and the second in c minor. C minor is the parallel minor to C major. (Note that the key signature of the second duet doesn't accurately portray this relationship, but it is in fact in c minor).
There is a segue marking at the end of the first section of the second minuet. This use of segue means to continue without a pause. It is there to indicate to the performer that there is more of the duet on the next page. You will often see a segue marking for a page turn when the page must be turned quickly. They are often seen in instrumental parts for musicals, for example.
There are no repeats taken in this performance, but the DC to the first minuet is taken, and the metronome setting is quarter note = 120.
Episode 23
Page28 #4, Sarabande
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 28 Number 4, performed by David Summer.
This Sarabande is in the style of a Sarabande from the baroque period. That is, it is a slow piece in 3. The baroque sarabande was one movement of a suite, usually coming directly after the courante. A sarabande by GF Handel, in a similar style to this duet, was featured in the soundtrack to the picturesque Stanley Kubrick movie "Barry Lyndon" (1975).
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 72.
Episode 22
Page27 #3, Gigue
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 27 Number 3, performed by David Summer.
This gigue is in the same style as the previous two duets. The "question and answer" sections in the last part of the duet often present a rhythmic challenge for a student. The teacher needs to emphasize counting the 3 beats that make up the dotted quarter note plus the 2 that make up the tied quarter note in the next measure.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 80.
Episode 21
Page26 #2, Gigue
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 26 Number 2, performed by David Summer.
This duet continues the group of duets by the composer Boismortier. Again, the flute one part states a short melodic theme alone at the beginning of the piece, followed by the second flute part beginning with the same short theme, now harmonized by the first flute.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 80.
Episode 20
Page26 #1, Prelude
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 26 Number 1, performed by David Summer.
A musical prelude usually serves as an introduction to a longer piece or some other event.
This duet, like many of the duets in this section of the book, has the flute one part state a short melodic theme alone at the beginning of the piece. Then, when the second flute part begins, it begins with the same short theme, now harmonized by the first flute.
The composer of the duets in this part of the book, Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, was a French baroque composer of instrumental music. He was one of the first composers to be able to make a living writing music without having a patron.
The repeat of the second section is omitted here and metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 69.
Episode 19
Page24 #3, Tambourin
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 24 Number 3, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled Tambourin, which is a piece of music that is written in imitation of a drum. The word comes from the French word "tambourin" meaning an old type of drum. A Tambourin is usually in 2 and is meant to be played in a lively manner. There is a percussion instrument with a similar name called a tambourine. The tambourine was especially popular in 1960's and 70's pop music.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 76.
Episode 18
Page22 #16, Minuet
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 22 Number 16, performed by David Summer.
This minuet (a dance in 3/4 time) again features "question and answer" sections where the second flute part seems to be "answering" a question "posed" by the first part. Here, dynamics also play an important part in the question and answer sections.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 132.
Episode 17
Page21 #15, Allegro con spirito
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 21 Number 15, performed by David Summer.
This duet is marked "Allegro con spirito", or fast with spirit. It features a sort of musical "cascade effect", where the flute 1 part plays several repeated notes and the flute 2 part starts on the same note, then moves in a descending line.
There are no repeats in this performance and the metronome setting is eighth note = 132.
Episode 16
Page19 #13, A Trumpet March
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 19 Number 13, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled "A Trumpet March". Sometimes, when I assign this duet to a student, I re-title it "A Flute March". Like many of the duets in the first part of the book, this duet features some back and forth or "question and answer" sections.
The tempo and the feel, as the title suggests, is march-like. The march-like feel would make this duet appropriate for a processional, perhaps as a processional for a wedding or graduation, for example.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 96.
Episode 15
Page18 #11, Gavotte
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 18 Number 11, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled "Gavotte". A gavotte (sometimes spelled as "gavot" or "gavote") is a dance that was especially popular during the Baroque period. It is usually characterized as being in a moderate tempo, with 2 beats to the measure and starting with an eighth note pickup.
A pickup note (also known as an anacrusis) is a note that appears at the beginning of a piece in an incomplete measure. The time in the measure is made up for at the end of the piece. A pickup note may also appear at the beginning of a section and there may be more than one.
In this duet, notice the 4 measures of back and forth dynamic change from soft to loud. Like some of the earlier duets, the dynamic pattern gives this duet a sort of "question and answer" feel.
Since this duet is a bit longer than many of the others, the repeats are omitted. The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 92.
Episode 14
Page17 #10, Giga
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 17 Number 10, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled "Giga". Like the similar duet, entitled "Jigg" from one of last month's episodes this is an energetic dance form in a fast 6/8. It appears that the "Giga" is originally from Italy.
Again, this is 6/8 time at a fast tempo, played "in 2". That is, heavily accenting the first and the fourth beats of the measure.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 84.
Episode 13
Page16 #9, Allegro
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 16 Number 9, performed by David Summer.
This duet features an interesting "back and forth" or "question and answer" feeling. This, combined with the Allegro tempo, makes the duet especially challenging for some students.
Since this duet is a bit longer than many of the others, the repeat of the second section is omitted. The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 100.
Episode 12
Page13 #4, Menuet
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 13 Number 4, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled "Menuet". It's a spelling variation on the word "Minuet". A minuet is a social dance of French origin, in 3/4 time, for two persons.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 118.
Episode 11
Page13 #3, Jigg
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 13 Number 3, performed by David Summer.
The duet is entitled "Jigg". It's a spelling variation on the word "Jig". A "Jig" is an Irish dance form and the tunes for these are generally in a fast 6/8. They are played in a light manner.
When 6/8 is at a fast tempo, it's often said to be "in 2". That is, where you are heavily accenting 2 beats to a measure, the first and the fourth beats.
The metronome setting for this performance is dotted quarter note = 72.
Episode 10
Page12 #2, Italian Rustic Dance
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 12 Number 2, performed by David Summer.
This duet is entitled "Italian Rustic Dance". It's played at a lively tempo with many "staccato", or "detached" notes.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 144.
Episode 9
Page12 #1, Air
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 12 Number 1, performed by David Summer.
The first duet in this section is an "Air" or, in Italian, an "Aria" or tune. It should be playing in a flowing style.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 116.
Episode 8
Page7 #8, Grazioso
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 7 Number 8, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Grazioso and is similar to the duet with the same tempo marking on page 5. It should be played "with grace" or "gracefully".
Notice the contrary motion in several of the measures, particularly in the "A" section, which help to give the duet a "strong" sound.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 94.
Episode 7
Page6 #7, Allegretto
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 6 Number 7, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Allegretto, which is a moderately fast tempo between Allegro and Moderato. The term Allegretto is literally the diminutive form of word Allegro, meaning the tempo Allegretto is a little slower than Allegro.
Notice the call and response form of this duet, the 2 beats of 16th notes, which goes back and forth between the 2 flutes. This continues until the end of each section when the 2 flutes play the 16th notes together.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 80.
Episode 6
Page6 #6, Andante
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 6 Number 6, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Andante, which literally means a "walking" tempo. It's between Adagio and Allegretto.
Notice the use of syncopation throughout the duet, making it seem like it's being played faster than it really is.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 82.
Episode 5
Page5 #5, Moderato
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 5 Number 5, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Moderato, which means at a moderate tempo. I've always thought of this duet as sounding somewhat like a processional.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 112.
Episode 4
Page5 #4, Grazioso
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 5 Number 4, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Grazioso, which means "with grace" or "gracefully". It should be played smoothly and with a certain elegance.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 108.
Episode 3
Page4 #3, Allegro
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 4 Number 3, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Allegro, which means fast. It should be played in a bright cheerful manner.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 116.
Episode 2
Page4 #2, Moderato
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 4 Number 2, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Moderato, which means at a moderate tempo. Notice the syncopation sections that provide rhythmic contrast in the duet.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 100.
Episode 1
Page3 #1, Allegro
Selected Duets for Flute, Page 3 Number 1, performed by David Summer.
This piece is marked Allegro, which means fast. It should be played in a bright cheerful manner. Notice the "question and answer" motives in this duet.
The metronome setting for this performance is quarter note = 116.
Selected Duets for Flute is available from
Sheet Music Plus.
This flute duet book is a good resource for all flutists and can be used for both practice and performance opportunities.
The book is part of a series of duet books available for many instruments including
trumpet (and cornet),
trombone,
baritone horn,
French horn,
flute,
clarinet,
saxophone (alto sax and tenor sax)
and violin.
Each book comes in two volumes, with the more technically challenging duets concentrated in volume 2 of the series.