Flute repertoire -

Sonatina for Flute

by Lennox Berkeley

Knowledge of flute repertoire is important for all aspiring flutists.

Even if you never perform the pieces yourself, having a good grasp of the body of work for the solo flute is beneficial.

Plus, it's fun to listen to the beautiful flute solos available to us.

That's why I'm creating this "Repertoire Class" so that we can learn the repertoire, listen to performances, and offer thoughts and opinions. Stop back frequently for a new class.

Let's start our flute repertoire class with a beautiful Sonatina by Lennox Berkeley. It's not a well-known piece and I was just acquainted with it myself. I just love it. Listening to it makes me want to play it!

Lennox Berkeley was born in England on May 12, 1903, but studied extensively in France with Francis Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky, and other well-known French composers.

Sir Lennox returned to England where he taught at the Royal Academy of Music and received many awards. He was knighted in 1973.

This beautiful composition for flute was written in 1940 and was originally scored for the treble recorder.

The French influence is definitely heard in this piece. It reminds me of the French pieces compiled in the French Pieces for Flute book. There is the slow section first where the performer displays his beautiful tone, followed by a brilliant technical workout.

This Sonatina also reminds me of "Suite Modale" by Ernest Bloch, July 24, 1880 – July 15, 1959. Bloch was Swiss and lived in about the same time period as Lennox Berkeley. Bloch eventually moved to the United States. "Suite Modale" isn't as difficult technically as Berkeley's Sonatina, but it has the same ethereal quality.

The Sonatina takes about 10 minutes to play. The first 8 minutes or so are a beautiful lyrical statement. The last 2 minutes are a technical fireworks display.

Order the sheet music for Sonatina for Flute by Lennox Berkeley.

Here is a performance by flutist Goh Tiong Eng and pianist Lim Yan on March 3, 2009, in Singapore. I think it's a wonderful performance.

What are your thoughts about this piece?

Do you like this piece? Maybe you don't! Tell me what you think about it either way. You don't have to be able to play the piece to give your opinion. You just have to love playing the flute!

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