Galbraith, N :: Atacama

Atacama, written in 2002 by Nancy Galbraith is a sonata for flute and piano in three movements: "Capricho," "Nocturno-in Memory of the Missing," and "Volante." 

"Capricho" is a rhythmic movement , which makes use of numerous irregular meters and hemiolas. The mood is upbeat, with touches of humor throughout. A dramatic contrast occurs in the solemn atmosphere of, "Nocturno," which begins very still with a slow-moving descending  scale passage in the flute, performed with no vibrato. The mood shifts in the middle section, which becomes somewhat improvisatory and makes use of such techniques as harmonics and pitch bending. Following a cadenza-like climax in the flute, the material returns to that of the opening. "Volante" is a very fast, perpetual motion closing movement. After a brief introduction, the main theme, comprised of ascending and descending sixteenth note patterns, is presented in the flute. This material is transformed into a quiet accompaniment figure in the piano over which a slower moving cantabile melody occurs. Following a transition back to the opening theme, the movement closes with material from this theme combined with large polytonal chords in the piano. -Nancy Galbraith 

Intermediate to advanced, Atacama is a fantastic addition to any flutist’s library. Nancy Gilbraith is a 21st century American composer.