4 Great French Flute Pieces (that aren't in the French Music Collection)
- Nathalie Simper
- Jan 2, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 2, 2024
If you've ever prepared for an audition or competition, you've probably come across the revered Flute Music by French Composers, or The French Book. This book is an essential collection of pieces written for the Paris Conservatory's Morceau de Concours.
This tradition was started by flutist Paul Taffanel to test conservatory flute students on their virtuosity each year, and the conservatory eventually followed the same practice for other instruments. Living composers were commissioned to compose the contest pieces, and these pieces would become standard flute repertoire in Western tradition.
As useful as The French Book is, there are many other pieces composed for this tradition that are less known and played less frequently than the popularized collection.
Take a listen to my personal favorite contest pieces that aren't in The French Book and why I enjoy them, that are also available online for your next French rep pick or recital! Click on the piece title to find sheet music.
Btw, if you order music through the blog links, I get a little commission, and you get a little discount at checkout. Or, use the code SIMPERMUSIC when you're ready to order through Flute Center!
1909: Eglogue by Jules Mouquet
The most famous flute piece Jules Mouquet wrote was Flute de Pan. But it's amazing to be able to listen to his other pieces and still hear his style throughout.
Even though this is mentioned on many standard flute repertoire lists, it's uncommon to hear this piece on a recital. The very first time I ever heard of Casella and this piece was as a graduate student! I immediately fell in love with the Sicilienne... but I mean, who can resist a well written Sicilienne?
Personal opinion incoming: As a flute teacher, I don't often enjoy it when my high school students study French contest pieces. As important as these pieces are, it can be frustrating to hear the Chaminade Concertino and the Enescu Cantabile et Presto every year. Which is why this Delmas piece has found a new place in my heart - it's every bit as captivating and virtuosic, and one of the contest list's hidden gems!
1933: Andalucia by Henri Büsser
Henri Büsser has a piece in the coveted French Book, but this piece stole my heart from the opening piano chord, all the way through the swoopy flute melody. If you're a fan of his Prelude et Scherzo in the French Book, you'll love exploring this piece!
1943: Sonatine by Henri Dutilleux
Did you know that Henri Dutilleux did not actually believe his Sonatina should be a popular piece? Written during World War II, Dutilleux felt that the piece wasn't an accurate representation of his compositional style. Even though this is his only flute and piano work, take a listen to his piano works and decide for yourself if this piece sounds like a true Dutilleux work.
1946: Sonatine by Pierre Sancan
This Sonatine consists of three continuous movements. It has a dreamy, ethereal character and challenges the performer with large intervals, double tonguing, and a cadenza in the second half of the piece. If you're looking for a contest piece that will keep you busy, this one is the piece for you!
Looking for more French contest pieces to explore? Take a look at this list of Concours flute pieces from 1824 to 2019 here.
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