Fredrich Kuhlau (1786–1832) was a Danish composer of the late Classical and early Romantic periods who wrote prodigiously for the flute. The final movement of his Fantasie for Solo Flute in D major, "Arietta and Variations" is charming, virtuosic, and fun! The aria "Bati, Bati" from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni is the theme. The operatic spirit shines in this 4 minute long gem.

Georg Philip Telemann, Fantaisie No. 12, performed by Karen Kevra, flute

Georg Friedrich Händel, Suite No. 5 in E Major, HWV 430: IV. Air con Variazioni "The Harmonious Blacksmith" performed by Murray Perahia, piano

Franz Schubert's Theme, from the Introduction, Theme, and Variations on "Trockne Blumen", D. 802 performed by Karen Kevra, flute and Jeffrey Chappell, piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Overture from Don Giovanni, K. 527, Hans Vonk, Staatskapelle Dresden

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Aria: "Batti, batti, o bel Masetto", Cecelia Bartoli, soprano, Wiener Kammerorchester

Friedrich Kuhlau, Fantasie for Solo Flute in D major (Op. 38, No. 1), movement 3, "Arietta and Variations", performed by Karen Kevra, flute

Composer Katherine Hoover's Winter Spirits is a musical tribute to the American Desert Southwest. This 5 minute piece was inspired by Marie Buchfink's artwork picturing a cross-legged native American flute player: A colorful cloud of tiny beneficent spirits rises from the flute into a cloud. Elements of dance, chant, and drumming combine to create a mystical, magical soundscape. 

Katherine Hoover, Kokopeli
Katherine Hoover, Winter Spirits
performed by Karen Kevra, flute

In this encore episode from Christmas eve 2020, we celebrate the life and legacy of Tony Barrand who died on January 29, 2022. Tony Barrand was born in England in 1945 but has lived most of his life in southern Vermont in the vibrant town of Brattleboro—a place that shines all the more brightly because of him. This Cornell PHD and Professor Emeritus of Boston University is not just an academic, but also a singer, dancer, and story-teller. What first grabs you is his way with words—he can give them weight, or make them sparkle depending on the point he is trying to make, but he uses words to greatest effect when he sings. His handsome  tenor voice really shines when joined by his singing comrades (John Roberts, Fred Breunig and Andy Davis) from the band Nowell Sing We Clear. This is top-notch exuberant music-making in a traditional style that will have you singing along, dancing, and entranced by the magic of the story-telling.  Guaranteed to brighten your days during this darkest time of year.

Special thanks to:
Andy Davis, Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy, Amanda Witman, Peter Amidon, Sue Dupre, Kari Smith, Carole Crompton, and Rachel Bell

Music, courtesy Golden Hind Music
Click here to order  Nowell Sing We Clear: Songs & Carols for Midwinter & Christmastide

Photo: BU Photography