Duo on Bulgarian Folksongs

Duo on Bulgarian Folksongs for Flute and Guitar by Robert Fruehwald (2000, rev. 2002)

Score and separate parts

I. Allegro

II. Adagio

III. Vivace

In the summer of 1999 I had the privilege of accompanying the Southeast Missouri State University marching band to Edinburgh, Scotland where they performed in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo takes place during most of the month of August. At the same time, hundreds of other performances are presented as a part of the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe Festival. One of the groups that performed was a Bulgarian women’s choir. The group was not only technically wonderful they also sang a beautiful and unusual repertoire. These songs were primarily Bulgarian folksongs presented in sophisticated arrangements.
After returning home to the United States, I decided to make a setting of some of these folksongs for a chamber ensemble. I originally intended them as “gig” music. Many of us who perform “classical music” play background music for receptions, weddings, etc. (i.e. “gigs”). Thus far, these duos have not proven to be popular at such occasions (although I keep hoping for a call to play a Bulgarian wedding). Still, they are intended to be appealing and, for the most part, lively and festive and should provide a light addition to the recital repertoire for flute and guitar.  —- R. Fruehwald