Sonata for Flute and Piano
Revised Edition, 1994 Sheet Music Book
By Francis Poulenc

If you find modern music hard to get your pianist hands around, try this sonata. It's fairly kind; it all "lies in the hand." Fans of his crowning work for chorus, soloists and orchestra, Gloria (1961), will hear some of that material in this sonata. -- The right flautist might...

be found in a music conservatory, or might be a very good amateur; the sonata is more challenging for the flute. But it's lovely, and very accessible to the listener's ear.

I played Poulenc as a 11th grader in a competition, after MONTHS of preparation. At that time, I'd been playing for 8 years but already had a long string of accolades and successes to bolster my confidence. I used this piece for college auditions and for my first position...

witha symphony orchestra. It is not my favorite composition, but it definitely showcases one's abilities both in terms of tone and technique. If you're weak on either, choose a different Sonata!Just hearing the first measures of the Poulenc brings a flood of associations for me. Now, after 40+years of flute experience, my favorite, and best, performance pieces tend to be baroque, not contemporary, with this one exception. Well, there's Honegger's Danse de le Chevre, too. These pieces are modern classics that seem to be at the foundation of a good repetoir.

I agree with anonymous. This is not for cowards. It is, frankly above my skill level, which is pretty basic. I liked hearing it on the radio, and I bought the score a present for my son, who plays better than I do.

This is a beautiful work that addresses interpretation, line, dynamics, playing in all 3 registers, double tonguing and breath support. I have several seniors who have played it quite successfully. The 1st movement requires the ability to play a high-e well and double tonguing. The 2nd movement requires a...

strong tone and strength in supporting the line. It's best if the student can play with and without vibrato. The 3rd movement is very fast, and requires the performer to play high register fingerings, quick tonguing, and keep the speed up! If played well, this piece can serve as a college audition piece.

I'm usually a Baroque kind of gal, but this is a really nice break from that. Some very nice melodies to show off your tone, plus some very difficult parts to show off your technique. If you don't like playing in the 3rd octave, choose something else. Not...

for cowards! I suggest getting a recording of it for inspiration.