(SW1065)

for alto flute and small percussion

This chamber music piece for alto flute and small percussion, lasting around five and a half minutes, is by no means commonplace in its instrumentation. Several things can be inferred from the title: on the one hand, the diminutive of the Italian term duetto indicates a relatively short piece, and on the other hand, the title certainly implies that the various drum instruments are only played by one player, in a duet with the flute player, are to be operated. Thirdly, the drums do not just serve as a sound backdrop or as a pacemaker, but rather act as a completely equal duet partner alongside the flute.

With the help of temple blocks, tom toms and cymbals tuned to different sound levels, the drummer is also able to give the flautist motifs and themes not only rhythmically, but also in their melodic direction, or to pick them up and continue them. This creates a lively, abstract dialogue between flautist and drummer, comparable to a sung duet. People throw balls to each other, so to speak, as we know from jazz, for example, but here it’s not improvisatory, but rather strictly controlled.

The interaction and contrast between the flute as a pure melodic instrument and the drums with a predominantly percussive character results in music that is extraordinarily attractive and original, both in its rich contrast and in its special sound mix.

Martin Schmeck

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