Description

I wrote “Chanson” for a very talented flautist at the school where I was then Head of Music. She went on to become a flute teacher and has often played my composition – and others I wrote for her – at recitals, where it has been well received.

It occurred to me recently that this would also work well on violin, hence this transcription.

This piece, as its title suggests, has a song-like quality and should be played in a cantabile style. It exploits a wide range of the instrument, from the brightness of its upper register to the richness of its lower strings.

Violin and piano should regard this as a true duet, even though the main themes are given to the violin: the piano’s melodic ideas reflect many of those in the violin part and often echo or anticipate them.