Concerto op. 39

The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39 was completed in September of 1992. It was commissioned by James Galway, and is dedicated to him. The work is scored for an orchestra comprised of piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion, harp, piano and strings.

The Concerto is in three movements. The first movement, Moderato, is an arc-like form, all of whose components are in fact variations on the harmonic progression of its principal theme. The central section of this movement is a set of explicit chaconne variations on a chorale-version of this progression.

The second movement, Adagio molto, presents a lyrical melody which is spun out over a pulsating syncopated ostinato which persists through the entire length of the movement. The final movement, Presto, is a virtuoso work-out for the flutist in a rondo-like form which closes with a Prestissimo coda.

The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra has been recorded for release on the BMG label by James Galway with the London Mozart Players conducted by the composer.