FOREWARD
By Walfrid Kujala

Robin Fellows' assiduous research, delving into authentic source materials for the seven well-known French solo works featured in this volume, has resulted in a fresh-looking edition devoid of extraneous accents, dynamics and articulations.

Interestingly, Debussy's autograph copy of Syrinx (reproduced in the preface) clarifies several controversial markings that prevail in some editions. For example, the commonly seen accent mark on the downbeat of the penultimate measure is instead a clearly recognizable diminuendo symbol in Debussy's handwriting.

In Gaubert's Allegro Scherzando the interesting irregularity of sixteenth note articulations in the original version is a refreshing (and challenging) contrast to the regular two-slurred, two-tongued patterns that we are accustomed to playing. In this instance we can also appreciate the parallels between Gaubert's original articulations in the Allegro Scherzando and Taffanel's articulations in his Scherzettino, a piece that has always fascinated me with its unusual variety of articulation patterns.

Another important restoration should be noted in the fifth bar of the Presto in the Chaminade Concertino. The poco rit. followed by accel. is typically omitted in modern editions, thus resulting in an overly hectic rendering of the sixteenth notes in too many performances Enescu was an unusually meticulous composer in his dynamicindications. Thus the restoration of the crescendo followed by diminuendo in bars 198-201 of his Presto, for example, is a significant revision.

Dr. Fellows' sparing approach to breath indications gives teachers and performers a welcome opportunity for making choices that are more suitably tailored to individual breath limitations, while at the same time giving equal consideration to the best phrasing possibilities. Also, careful management of page turns in the solo part has been given a high priority, eliminating the need for awkward paste-ups of photocopied pages.

Flutists who have already studied and played these works will likely find some new things to consider in this edition that will further enhance their future performances, and students learning these works for the first time should also enjoy working from a reliable and well-researched edition.

Download the Preface to this edition in pdf format.

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