Leshnoff, J :: Flute Concerto

Flute Concerto

Leshnoff, J

Premiered by Jeffrey Khaner and the Philadelphia Orchestra, this tour de force work has received rave reviews from players and critics alike. Fast, energetic and spiritual, the concerto is rewarding for those ready for the ride.

'The first movement is based on a four-note motive. The 'unexpected consequence' of being preceded by Ravel s 'Pavane' is that the first three notes of Leshnoff s motive are the same as those of the familiar principal tune of Ravel s 'Pavane,' just with a different rhythm and emphasis. Without the 'Pavane' having just been heard it is unlikely that anyone would have noticed. It was, under the circumstances, rather glaring, however coincidental.

The second movement starts out with striking chords in the orchestra, then the flute enters with a challenging, running melody that permeates the entire piece. The third features a simple descending figure that appears in transformed guises throughout, evoking a variety of moods. The final movement brings back motives from the previous three in a technical tour de force that feels intuitively the most 'American' sounding of the bunch. All in all, the concerto is an effective, well-constructed piece. It is appealing without pandering admittedly, something currently in vogue with many orchestras when it comes to programming new music.

But within the confines of that aesthetic, and like with his earlier Violin Concerto, the most elusive attribute for Leshnoff as a composer remains a uniquely identifiable voice. One hears a flood of historical influences as well as similar peer voices within this Flute Concerto contemporaries like Jennifer Higdon and Aaron Jay Kernis come to mind though one need not parse out what s identifiably only Leshnoff, unvarnished, to enjoy this credible work.'

- Mark Gresham, 2014; ARTS ATL

For the advanced player.