Shulamit Ran

Voices - Large Score

My having been commissioned by the National Flute Association for a flute concerto in celebration of that organization's year 2000 convention was; for me; a much-relished opportunity to further explore the direction I found myself pursuing in two earlier compositions 'East Wind' for solo flute (1987); and 'Mirage' for five instrument (1991); a piece which 'ethos' is established by the opening alto flute melody - in the context of the larger and fuller palette of a concerto. Even though I had used the flute often; in various settings; in my past music; it was in 'East Wind' and 'Mirage' where I felt myself developing a more personal; distinct flute voice. And it is that voice; interspersing sensuousness; lyricism; brilliance; gentleness and ecstasy; which I tried to bring to the fore in 'Voices'; subtitled 'A Concerto for Flautist with Orchestra.' The work's first movement; 'Quasi Pasaccaglia'; features the C flute as soloist; moving without a break into the second movement; titled 'Voice of the Wood'; where the soloist plays the alto flute. In the third movement; 'Big Bands; Little Bands'; the C flute returns; though this time in the context of an orchestral flute section; segueing at mid-point into the brilliant flourishes of a solo piccolo. 'Voices' received its premiere on August 19; 2000; with Patricia Spencer; flutist; and Ransom Wilson; conductor.