31 October 2014
Return of the giant flutes
Celebrated flautist, Peter Sheridan has released his follow-up album to 'Below' and 'Monologues & Dialogues' - showcasing the wonderful world of the lower members of the flute family.
'Sonorous Sonatas' showcases not only these wonderful giant flutes, but also the work of many fine composers. Peter Sheridan's vision for this project was to bring the larger, lower sounding flutes to the centre stage, and in so doing, challenging their sound production and ability to create colourful sonic shapes in one of the most traditional Western musical forms: the Sonata.
For many flutists, holding an alto or bass flute up for more than a few minutes can be rather difficult and challenging. There are new designs to assist in this physical impediment and one only hopes that new players, both young and old, will begin their journey of exploration with the low flutes; not allowing any physical restraints to impede their enjoyment of a whole new world of flute sounds.
These giant flutes are capable of sustaining our musical interest and attention for more than the standard three to five minute compositions. Peter says: "sound waves become quite interesting and complex the closer they approach the limits of human hearing (20,000 Hz – 16 Hz). It is these extreme frequencies I wish to introduce or re-invite into your musical ear and library."
Further reading
Sonorous Sonatas
Peter Sheridan's vision for this project was to bring the larger, lower sounding flutes to the centre stage, and in so doing, challenging their sound production and ability to create colourful sonic shapes in one of the most traditional Western musical forms: the Sonata.
Peter Sheridan
A specialist in low flutes (bass, contrabass and sub-contrabass flutes), performer Peter Sheridan has commissioned over seventy compositions for these unique instruments.
Below: Music For Low Flutes
This charming and rare recording features predominantly commissioned chamber music for low flutes that was composed to showcase the lyrical and colourful tonal qualities of these instruments, expanding their small yet growing repertoire.
Monologues & Dialogues
This recording features the resonant and meditative sounds of the modern day low flutes. These austere, breathy and even creepy flute sounds should inspire an abundance of musical imaginations.
