Title
Duo
For
flute and piano
Year Composed
1971
ARCO Number(s)
94
Category
Chamber
Duration
14'
Movements
  • I. Flowing
  • II. Poetic, somewhat mournful
  • III. Lively, with bounce
Premiere
  • World: Philadelphia, October 3rd, 1971 (Elaine Shaffer, Hephzibah Menuhin)
Commission Info
John Solum and fellow students and friends of William Kincaid, in memory of the flutist
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
Publishing Status
Published
Versions
Duo for Violin and Piano (1978) (Arrangement)
Arrangements
Duo (for flute and chamber orchestra) (arr. D. Wilson Ochoa)
Buying Options
Boosey & Hawkes

Program Note

Duo was commissioned by seventy pupils and friends of the celebrated flutist William Kincaid after his death in 1967. Copland described it as lyrical and in a pastoral style. "Lyricism seems to be built into the flute," he wrote. Duo is in three movements. "The whole is a work of comparatively simple harmonic and melodic outline, direct in expression. Being aware that many of the flutists who were responsible for commissioning the piece would want to play it, I tried to make it grateful for the performer...it requires a good player." The piece has become a standard in the repertoire of flutists worldwide and is also available in a version for violin and piano.

Author
Vivian Perlis
Year
1998