Performed by Melanie Lançon and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Giordano Bellincampi
Melanie Lançon Photo: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra supplied
Ibert wrote this in 1934 as a commission from the great French flautist Marcel Moyse – it’s considered one of the most difficult pieces in the flute repertoire.
Like a lot of his other works, Ibert manages to incorporate an eclectic number of musical styles.
The first movement is full of life, with the flute chattering away; the second movement is more of an extended reverie with a passionate climax; and in the final Allegro Scherzando, Ibert asks for everything of the flute soloist – from dare-devil leaps and racing scales, to tongue-twister melodies with a cheeky, jazz-flavoured feel.
Melanie Lançon is stepping in front of the orchestra from her usual spot as Principal Flute – for the second time in a main series concert. She made her solo debut with the orchestra in 2020 playing the Flute and Harp Concerto by Mozart with Ingrid Bauer.
Melanie was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has performed as guest principal with Seattle Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic and the Pacific Symphony.
Programme Note: Carey McDonald
Recorded by RNZ Concert in Auckland Town Hall, 15 July 2021
Engineer: Adrian Hollay; Producer: Tim Dodd
