Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Repertoire Request for Chestnuts

We'll find you some chestnuts. Lots and lots of chestnuts.

 A pianist wrote to me trying to find flute and piano sheetmusic that was appropriate for recitals. Have a read and see what you think, then chime in with added titles and composers in the comments. What other flutey chestnuts would you add to this list?


The Repertoire Request
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Dear Jen,
 I'm a pianist who's seeking flute repertoire sheet music to play in upcoming concerts with a young flutist. She just starting the grade 9 level (last year was 36 Repertoire Pieces, this year she's starting The French Composers book, so let's say grade 8+) and we need some more winners. The audience were certainly loving these particular flute and piano selections last year:

Dance of the Blessed Spirits  -  Gluck
Serenade - Georges - Hue
2nd Minuet from l'Arlesienne - Georges Bizet
Siciliano from Flute Sonata in E-flat major, BWV 1031 -  J. S.  Bach  
Intermezzo from Carmen - Bizet

Can you give me an idea of where to look and what would be suitable to add to this list for our next few shows? I'd love some more non-classical pieces. It would be a bonus if some of the music were at IMSLP or other free pdf site to save on costs. I usually google the piece to see if I can listen to it before downloading it.
Thanks for your help.
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Dear Pianist,
I just went through all my favourite sheetmusic and picked out the specific titles I would recommend as being:
- at the right level for a flutist of grade 9 Royal Conservatory (Canada's grading system) who is just about to start the book of French Composers.
- audience pleasers that are short, recognizable and beautiful/memorable and are most often requested
- equally good for the pianist wherever possible.

Many of these are still under copyright and have to be ordered for mail-delivery from www.fluteworld.com or Carolyn Nussbaum's (https://www.flute4u.com/) in the U.S. or www.justflutes.com if you are in the UK. Several are available for free on www.flutetunes.com
I've listed lots of Baroque and some Classical at: www.jennifercluff.com/faverep.htm (Grade 8 is level B).

These are all Romantic or Contemporary. Here is the list:

Standard Chestnuts for Flute Concerts:
Example of difficulty level: JS Bach's Siciliano from EbMajor Sonata is Royal Conservatory of Music Exam level: Grade 6.

Faure - Sicilienne - is a lovely flowing piece that warms up the ear and heart. Not difficult. Grade 6 RCM. (www.flutetunes.com)
Faure - Morceau de Concours - a stunner! An all time fave. simple but demanding. Grade 8+ RCM (www.flutetunes)
Faure - Pavane (also on www.flutetunes) - breathing can be challenging but this may work. Grade 8 RCM.
Gaubert - Madrigal - enchanting, but a wee bit technical for the flutist. Some tempo changes and ensemble playing with exactitude between pianist and flutist. Grade 8+ RCM (www.flutetunes.com)
Morlacchi - The Swiss Shepherd - a show off extravaganza using a simple theme and variations. James Galway's version rips the paint off the barn. A thrilling ending to a show. Grade 9 RCM (www.flutetunes.com) - longer piece than all others.
Godard - Idylle - a lovely flowing piece with some challenges for the flutist. Grade 9 RCM. (www.flutetunes.com)
Debussy - La Plus Que Lente (arranged for flute/pno.) - gorgeous but a little challenging for the flutist. Grade 9 RCM (www.flutetunes.com)

Exotic Pieces:
May have to purchase at www.fluteworld.com if you cannot find online for free:
Ravel - Piece en forme de Habanera - Spanish exotica; gorgeous. A little challenging for the flutist. Grade 9 RCM.
R. Taki - Moon Over Ruined Castle - Japanese exotica; gorgeous. Grade 8 RCM.
Miyagi - The Sea in Springtime or Haru No Umi - arranged for flute and piano; Japanese, birdcalls, waves, sea swells...incredible piece. Grade 8 RCM.

Will definitely have to purchase these next Modern/Contemporary works,
but SO SO worth it (all are melodious as opposed to atonal):

American:
Samuel Barber - Canzone for flute and piano - stunningly beautiful, a little challenging. Grade 9 RCM.
Leonard Bernstein - Bernstein for Flute published by Boosey & Hawkes - Maria, Tonight, Somewhere. Grade 8 RCM.

European:
John Rutter - Suite Antique for flute and piano - delightful, some challenges in rhythm and stamina. Grade RCM 8-9
Ernst Bloch - Suite Modale for flute and piano - delightful play mvmts 1 and 3 for a short concert. Grade 8 RCM.
Hamilton Harty - In Ireland for flute and piano - wonderful and spunky. Grade 9+ RCM.
David Heath - Out of the Cool - super fun and funkily audience friendly. Grade 8 RCM.
Ian Clarke - Hypnosis - amazing piece and audience friendly to the max. Grade 8+ RCM.

Canadian:
Michael Conway Baker - Elegy for flute and piano - gorgeous, short and like a prayer. Grade 6+ RCM.


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Flute Grades around the world:

Jen's Favourite Repertoire master list:

Bonus: Royal Conservatory Syllabus see page 45 for Grade 8:

_________________end list

Flutists please add your comments and suggested repertoire below.
(comments are moderated before appearing).
Best, Jen

posted by jen at 8:23 PM
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