Hi again to all.

While I am thinking of what flute I will buy, I have another request for you.

I am part of a flute ensemble (7 flutists) and I am looking for works that are written originally for more than 4 flutes (we have piccolo and alto if that is a problem) to expand our repertoire.

Any suggestions are more than welcome.

Take another look at some of the trios and quartets: a lot of these are very well written.

With 7 flutes on a trio, you can double all of the parts, and put 3 people on the lowest part which is sometimes hard to hear anyway.

With 7 flutes on a quartet, you can double all but one part- usually the highest.


If you did a trio, that had repeats in it, you could modify it to where you only have 3 or 4 players the second time through- one on piccolo, one (or 2, for balance) flutes in the middle, and alto flute. This would have a different tone and character to the 'flute' voices, and add some interest to the piece. You would, however, have to transcribe for the alto flute.

Experiment, and plug in piccolo or alto flute and listen to the differences. Is there an oboe or a violin that could play with you? They can also add dynamics (and often balance) to the lowest parts, and we all know how hard it is to be heard when you're playing at the very bottom of the staff.

What I have seen written for a flute ensemble with alto flute, but without bass flute, is just not very inspiring.

We have tried trios and quartets Tibbiecow. However, it completely different to have some works that are originally written for flute enseble. Thanks for the tip Allieannie. I will check it asap.

A small recommendation from me: "Abfahrt einer Dampflokomotive" (The departure of the train)- Tilo Medek. Extremely interesting work for 5 flutes and alto from a not well known German composer. Try it. Medek had his own publishing company (Edition Medek) that is now run by his wife (Medek died in 2006). Contact info can be found at his site www.medek.net.

From the same composer we are performing another interesting work in a concert for Piano, Cello and 6 flutes called Stadtpfeifer- Ein Schwanengesang (The swan song- if I am not mistaken). More abstract than the "train" in a theme & variations format.

Any interesting quartets from contemporary composers?

Also if you are into atonism, you can find lots of ensemble flute music here . This is Herbert Lindholm's homepage, a Finn flutist/ composer that is giving his music for free. Currently we are playing his second quartet and it's a very interesting work.