Carter - Flute Concerto (2008) (piano reduction)
Commissioned by Elena Bashkirova for the Jerusalem international Chamber Music Festival, this is one of Elliott Carter's most sublime late works. Originally not attracted to the flute's mellifluous tones, Carter seems to have become completely seduced by it, particular in the intensely lyrical slow central section.
In the composer's own words:
"For many years flutists have been asking for a flute concerto, yet I kept putting it off because I felt that the flute could not produce the sharp attacks that I use so frequently. But the idea of the beautiful qualities of the different registers of the instrument and the extraordinary agility attracted me more and more, so when Elena Bashkirova asked me write something for her and the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival, I decided it would be a flute concerto. From mid-September, 2007 to March, 2008 ideas and notes for it fascinated me without relief."
Soloist Emmanuel Pahud with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Thierry Fischer.