Syrinx

An impressionistic piece that seems to bring Monet paintings to life, it revolutionized the modern flute repertoire.

Also known as La Flute de Pan, the piece was composed in 1913, just five years before Debussy's death, as incidental music for the play, Psyché by Gabriel Mourey and was to be performed offstage during the play.

Greek mythology was a favorite theme of Debussy. Daphnis and Chloe, Pelleas et Melisande, Hermes and Ondine are a few of the couples from mythological lore used as subjects for Debussy's compositions.

The story in this flute solo centers on the nymph Syrinx who was pursued by the god, Pan, and eventually died in her attempt to flee and protect her chastity. The sad tune is Pan mourning his loss.

A certain level of ability is required, but the difficulty is not the technique, but the interpretation of it. This piece requires the ultimate in expressive playing.

Every performance you hear is a bit different. It has an almost improvisational character to it, as if each performance is the first time it has ever been heard.

Many people say, "Don't listen to recordings. Do your own thing."

I disagree.

How can you know what "your thing" is if you have no basis for it to begin with?

I say listen to many others play the piece, consider them, then reach your own decision about the interpretation you want to make.

Since we live in the Youtube generation, hearing many performances is easy.

Here are just a few...

Playing an unaccompanied solo is always demanding, but this lovely staple in the flutist's repertoire is in a category all its own. Each note conveys huge emotion.

One big benefit of unaccompanied solos is not having to find an accompanist.

It's appropriate for many settings--a recital, music for a dance solo, even a funeral. You'll play it for a lifetime.

Here is the first of the two pages of the solo...

You can download both pages for just $4.95.

Top of Syrinx

Cyberflute home page