(SW1029)

Solo Fl (dbl. picc., dbl. alto fl.) – 2 (2nd dbl. picc.).2.2.2 – 2.2.1.0 – perc. (3 Pl.) – 8.8.6.8.4

Already in 2018 we published Christian Ridil's flute concerto with this title under the publisher's number SW 1045 in a version with reduced orchestral part for 2 pianos and 3 percussionists, which was successfully premiered in Kassel with the flutist Jens Joseph under the direction of the composer. The original version is now here with full orchestra. 

Double woodwind, 2 horns, 2 trumpets and trombone along with a colorful percussion part for 3 players and strings face the soloist. The accompanying part is refined, sometimes unconventional and always filigree in the orchestration.

Formally, the concerto has a classical structure, in this case 3 movements with the sequence fast-slow-fast. In the first movement, for example, the system can be recognized as a sonata movement with an inserted solo cadenza. The slow movement is in turn in three parts in the form of a recapitulation with a rapid middle section. In the rondo-like final movement, as expected, the dancing character predominates.

As the title already suggests, French influences, especially those of the Group des Six, play an important role in terms of style, and their elegant suppleness combines wonderfully with elements of German Neoclassicism; the work has a very virtuosic solo part and is particularly impressive because of its rhythmic sophistication. As is typical of the composer, it teems with musical allusions and quotations from music history. If, for example, in the last movement the initially wild, untamed Ragtime suddenly turns into a delicate Gavotte, then that's really worth listening to.

Martin Schmeck

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