Etudes

Etudes for Solo Flute(s) by Isang Yun

For one player. Written in 1974.

Duration: 23:00

Etude I: Moderato for C Flute

Etude II:  Adagio for Alto Flute

Etude III:  Allegro for Piccolo

Etude IV: Andante for Bass Flute

Etude V: Allegretto for C Flute

Program notes:

Yun set new standards in compositional and playing technique with the five contrastingly interrelated Études for solo flute(s).

Étude I (Moderato, for C flute) thematizes the main tone (and Yun’s main-tone technique) with static, individually expounded, long-drawn-out central tones: “Each tone here is like a brick, present energy at the moment; it is only at the end that an explosive liquidation occurs” (Roswitha Staege).

The more flexible character of the Étude II (Adagio, for alto flute) is shown already in the more variable dynamics of the beginning: low registers, dark colors, quiet dynamics, long-drawn-out tones; only the contrasting middle part is heard in extreme animation.
Étude IV (Andante, for bass flute) begins with static main tones in a low register and is colored by varied dynamics and sound formation of noise character. The main tones are initially led downward but then, with the exception of one descent, proceed upward amid continuous development (to a², which is very high for the bass flute). As already in Étude III (Allegro, for piccolo flute), the sound resources of the instrument end up being multiplied: first through multiple tones and then through structuring in two parts produced by the flutist by simultaneously blowing into the instrument and singing. The quiet conclusion of noise character occurs at the limits of perception.