Burkhard, W :: Serenade

Will Burkhard presents the Serenade for Flute and Clarinet, Op. 92.

The Serenade was composed in 1953 and is dedicated to Burkhard s daughter, Ursula. She and her husband, Hans-Rudolf Stadler, played the flute and clarinet, respectively. This work contains five contrasting movements. Rhythm plays an especially important role here, as Burkhard s choices give each movement a distinct character.

Four of the Serenade s five movements are written in a melody and accompaniment texture. However, the assigned accompaniments are quite complex and do not simply disappear into the background. Through rhythm and interval content, these accompaniments contribute greatly to the expressiveness of each particular movement, as they combine with the melody. The single polyphonic movement is unusual as well, as Burkhard rarely has the two melodies sounding simultaneously.

Although there is most often a melody and accompaniment texture, harmony does not play an important role in the Serenade. Since the accompaniments are rather melodic themselves, the harmonies that are created linearly are more audible than those created vertically. Burkhard does highlight triads on occasion, exploring a colorful assortment of harmonies.

Offbeat entrances are integral to the opening three movements of the Serenade. Ties and syncopation can also be found. There are implied tempo changes through the use of increasingly faster or slower rhythms. There are even implied meter changes through the use of hemiola. Two movements feature rhythmic ostinato accompaniments, and one features a rhythmic motive in the accompaniment that is passed back and forth between the flute and clarinet. Burkhard uses a wide variety of rhythms in both the melodies and accompaniments of the Serenade, giving each movement its own distinct character.

- Kimberly Lynn Speiran; The Flute Music of Willy Burkhard (2011)