“The Dreams of Birds For alto flute and piano”, by Jenni Brandon, was performed at A Ball State University  Faculty Artist Series on Friday, October 29, 2021, 5:00pm, in the Sursa Performance Hall. This recital is free and open to the public.  

The Faculty Artist Series allows the School of Music faculty to share their talent and passion for music with the campus and community. The faculty members for this for this recital are: Mihoko Watanabe, professor of flute, Zoran Jakovcic, assistant professor of music (viola), and Cara Chowning, assistant teaching professor (vocal coach and music appreciation).

Program

Sonata in F Major                                                                               Anna Malia von

for flute and continuo (1771)                                                     Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (1723 – 1787)

          I.  Adagio (1723 – 1787)

          II.  Allegretto

          III.  Allegro ma non troppo

Prelude, Revitatif et Variations, Op. 3                                        Maurice Durufle

for Flute, Viola, and Piano (1928)                                                 (1902 – 1986)

Pause

The Dreams of Birds                                                                           Jenni Brandon

For alto flute and piano (2011)                                                     (b. 1977)

Sonata for flute and piano (1956 – 1957)                              Francis Poulenc

          I. Allegretto Malincolico                                                           (1899 – 1963)

          II. Cantilena

          III. Presto giocoso

“The Dreams of Birds For alto flute and piano” explores the world of what birds might dream. Would they dream of running, of flying to the sun? Would they dream of being human? I wanted to explore the possibility of bird dreams while continuing to be evocative of a bird with bird-like songs in the alto flute. The little turns and grace notes as well as the flutter tongue played by the alto flute offer the listener the voice of the bird. The piano, both supportive and, at times, grand, helps give flight to these dreams of birds. It was an honor to write this piece for Jenni Olson to premiere and record.

Jenni’s work ‘‘The Dreams of Birds for alto flute and piano (alto flute and piano sheet music) is performed by Jenni Olson-alto flute and Bryan Pezzone – piano on Jenni Olson’s new CD “The Dreams of Birds” featuring the works of living composers.

Other composers featured on this CD of works by living composers for various flutes includes Alex Shapiro, Dave Volpe, Damian Montano, Bear McCreary, Joachim Horsley, Peter Jaffe, and Daniel Kelley.

“The Dreams of Birds For alto flute and piano” sheet music is available on Jenni’s website at the following link: “The Dreams of Birds – alto flute and piano” sheet music (jennibrandon.com)