Programme Note

Zhou Tian (b. 1981)

Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (2022)

I. Irises 
II. Capriccio
III. Arioso
IV. Toccata

Irises. Capriccio. Arioso. Toccata. These are four movements that infuse my Flute Concerto, written for long-time musical partner Mimi Stillman. From tranquil meditations to wild rituals, the concerto explores the diversity of musical styles through reflection on the flute’s long and rich heritage (hence the baroque-inspired subtitles). There are hints of my musical lineage from Barber to Piston to traditional Chinese music, as I sought a coexistence of clarity of form with passionate expression, exploring the richness of orchestral timbre yet always embracing purity of line. 

The work begins with “Irises,” a movement of mixed moods of long singing lines and airy dances. The flower makes me think about the flute – sensuous and yet strong. “Capriccio” is a scherzo in perpetual motion. The rapid, repeated notes and the concise form drew its inspiration from Baroque dance pieces. “Arioso” is a meditation. As the soloist joins the plush strings, dashing harp and woodwinds, the sonic color is altered frequently, masking the hinted atonality in the melody with romanticism. “Toccata,” the finale, is a virtuosic dance. An accumulation of materials sends the piece to a climax at the end. 

Flute Concerto was commissioned for flutist Mimi Stillman by Dolce Suono Ensemble, Marine Chamber Orchestra of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band (Col. Jason K. Fettig, Music Director), Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (Lorenzo Muti, Music Director), Annapolis Chamber Orchestra (J. Ernest Green, Music Director), Allentown Symphony Orchestra (Diane Wittry, Music Director), Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (Eckart Preu, Music Director), Portland Symphony Orchestra (Eckart Preu, Music Director), and Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (Troy Peters, Music Director), with generous support from Carolyn and James Barnshaw and Jonathan S. Tobin. 
©Zhou Tian