Francaix, J :: Suite

Suite

Francaix, J

Suite for solo flute by Jean Francaix was composed in 1962 and is classified as difficult for the advanced flutist.

'The suite as a musical form has been with us since Bach's time. Originally a series of dances, Francaix fills the old barrel of this form with some very new wine, indeed. The first example of this is his title of the first movement; traditionally an Allemand, Francaix gives us, instead, a Caprice, with all the imagination, whimsy and humor that that word implies. This movement is marked by an antic, tongue-in-cheek sense, as, indeed, is much of the piece. The Pavan is a dance of Italian origin, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was in simple duple time, and of stately character. The Saltarello was a lively dance from Spain and Italy. It can have various meters (6/8, 3/4, 3/8 , 6/4), and incorporated jumps. The Allemande is probably of German origin. It is usually serious in character and in his Suite, Francaix follows suit, scoring the movement for alto flute. The Minuet is a dance in triple meter, though I defy anyone to hear that in the opening section of this movement. It is very apparent in the second, Trio, section. Francaix closes the piece with a lively march, marked by offbeat accents.

- John Ranck, 2002