Liner Notes
Cat. No. NWCR888
Release Date: 2007-01-01
Karen Kevra, flute; Paul Orgel, piano
This is the fist commercial recording of three major works for flute and piano by the ninety-year-old composer Louis Moyse. I believe that these works are “major” not only among Moyse’s output of one-hundred or so compositions, most of which involve the flute, but also that they can hold their own among the best works for flute and piano written in the twentieth century
Listeners who come to Louis Moyse’s music expecting something like much French flute music—fluffy, saccharine, or perhaps a bit academic—will be surprised. He describes the French style as “too light” and the German as “too heavy”— “like comparing a glass of wine and a glass of beer.” When I asked him what the most important musical influence was on his composing, he exclaimed, “Martinů!” (this from a man who encountered Fauré and Saint-Saëns, had regular contact with Stravinsky, and showed his music to Messiaen). Why Martinů? For his “rhythm and structure” and because he was a good friend. Certainly the influence of Martinů’s rhythmic vitality is felt in Louis Moyse’s music, and also the characteristic Czech fondness for thirds that change quickly between major and minor.
Louis Moyse’s music is the product of a kind of compositional craft that is in short supply today. It takes for granted, for instance, the ability to write convincing four- voice fugues, to successfully control traditional sonata forms, and to score with total sureness for any instrument. His originality reflects the diverse experiences of a long life lived in music and the person that Louis is: fun-loving but capable of reflection, a true musicien français in training and culture who has become an American composer.
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
This is the fist commercial recording of three major works for flute and piano by the ninety-year-old composer Louis Moyse. I believe that these works are “major” not only among Moyse’s output of one-hundred or so compositions, most of which involve the flute, but also that they can hold their own among the best works for flute and piano written in the twentieth century
Listeners who come to Louis Moyse’s music expecting something like much French flute music—fluffy, saccharine, or perhaps a bit academic—will be surprised. He describes the French style as “too light” and the German as “too heavy”— “like comparing a glass of wine and a glass of beer.” When I asked him what the most important musical influence was on his composing, he exclaimed, “Martinů!” (this from a man who encountered Fauré and Saint-Saëns, had regular contact with Stravinsky, and showed his music to Messiaen). Why Martinů? For his “rhythm and structure” and because he was a good friend. Certainly the influence of Martinů’s rhythmic vitality is felt in Louis Moyse’s music, and also the characteristic Czech fondness for thirds that change quickly between major and minor.
Louis Moyse’s music is the product of a kind of compositional craft that is in short supply today. It takes for granted, for instance, the ability to write convincing four- voice fugues, to successfully control traditional sonata forms, and to score with total sureness for any instrument. His originality reflects the diverse experiences of a long life lived in music and the person that Louis is: fun-loving but capable of reflection, a true musicien français in training and culture who has become an American composer.
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Louis Moyse: Works for Flute & Piano
| MP3/320 | $9.99 | |
| FLAC | $9.99 | |
| WAV | $9.99 | |
| CD-R | $9.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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First Sonata: I. Allegro
Louis Moyse
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First Sonata: II. Poco adagio
Louis Moyse
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First Sonata: III. Scherzo
Louis Moyse
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First Sonata: IV. Allegro scherzando
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Introduction
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Theme
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation I
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation II
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation III
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation IV
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation V
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation VI
Louis Moyse
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Introduction, Theme & Variations: Variation VII
Louis Moyse
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Second Sonata: I. Allegro vivo
Louis Moyse
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Second Sonata: II. Poco adagio
Louis Moyse
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Second Sonata: III. Scherzo
Louis Moyse
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Second Sonata: IV. Presto
Louis Moyse
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