Cloud Images for Flute Choir by Phyllis Avidan Louke Flute Choir - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.736289

For Flute Choir

Cloud Images

By Phyllis Avidan Louke

Cloud Images is a programmatic work in five movements for Flute Choir dedicated to Albert Weatherly of Sankyo Flutes, USA. The inspiration for this piece came from the beauty of the cloud formations observed during a long plane flight.

Movement 1, "Rising Above the Clouds", features a soaring melody played first by the bass and alto flute over an ostinato played by the flutes. The piccolo adds a countermelody which contributes to the feeling of being above the clouds. (1:30)

Movement 2, "Billowing Clouds", features a melody in 7/8 time, alternating with another in 6/8 time, to convey the the shape and roundness of clouds. (2:00)

Movement 3, "Oh Look! There’s an Alligator!", is a whimsical look at the different shapes that can be found in clouds. A running bass line in the bass flute supports a jaunty melody which seems to be "on the prowl" to find various shapes in the clouds. Several different animal shapes are "seen": a hippo, an elephant, and finally, an alligator. Vocals can also be utilized in this movement to better communicate these animal shapes to the audience. (2:20)

Movement 4, "With Your Head in the Clouds", is in a light-hearted "soft shoe" style. The melodies describe the feeling of skipping through life, not having a care in the world. For a "Lawrence Welk" ending, one of the players with rests can blow bubbles during the last measure. (1:40)

Movement 5, "Through a Sea of Clouds", has a dream-like quality imagining what it would be like to travel through a sea of clouds and touch their whispy softness. The bass flute is prominently featured, and later joined by the alto flute. The piccolo adds the "frosting" on top. (2:30)

Phyllis Avidan Louke is a flutist and award-winning composer and arranger with more than 70 published pieces to her credit. www.phyllislouke.com