8e Concerto en Sol Majeur [8th Concerto in G Major]

Description

Francois Devienne’s Concerto for Flute No. 8 in G Major is here presented in its reduction for flute and piano. This highly refined work, adhering more closely to the style of Mozart than Devienne’s later Romantic tendencies, serves as an exemplary picture of Devienne’s more elegant style.

’The Flute Concerto No. 8 is in the ‘serene’ key of G. Although in some works Devienne shows that he sails in the same musical currents of Beethoven, this work is mainly Classical in feeling even though an increasing amount of pathos emerges in some minor-key episodes in the first-movement development.

That movement, Allegro, is in the traditional concerto form. There is a full exposition section for the orchestra without the soloist, then an exposition with the soloist. The overall mood is elegant and restrained thanks to the contrasting sad movements, though the dotted rhythms that are prominent in the first subjects are reminders that the music was composed in a time of war and turmoil. The composer leaves room for the performer’s cadenza in the expected place, just before the coda of the first movement. The double-exposition form ensures that this movement is by far the longest of the concerto, occupying well over half of its 19- or 20-minute length.

The second movement, Largo, is quite short, though a considerable amount happens. Dotted rhythms continue in its unison string introduction; they lend a feeling of sternness to the opening. The melody is lush and Italianate, but hard to characterize as to mood. A short bridge for flute leads to the finale, a happy and smooth Tempo di Polonaise. The concerto is entertaining and inventive, a superior work by a worthy if not great composer.’

– Joseph Stevenson, ALLMUSIC

For advanced players.

Additional information