In the Shadow of the Great Sphinx

In the Shadow of the Great Sphinx by Sony Burnette
For Bass Flute and Piano
Published by Pine Castle Music Publications
Duration: 3:20

Carved over 4,000 years ago from a natural outcropping of rock, the Great Sphinx at Gaza, featuring the head of Khafre and the body of a lion, continues to stand as a symbol of human accomplishment. Along with the harp and parallel reed pipes, the flute was one of the main Old Kingdom instruments found in Egyptian culture. Scored for the bass flute, the movement opens with a pensive theme based on the Irak maqam, or mode. The solo part is supported by accompanying lines in the piano.

“In the Shadow of the Great Sphinx” is the third movement from the “Stone Suite,” arranged for Bass Flute and Piano. The “Stone Suite” is a four movement work for solo flute and flute choir, commissioned by Dr. Chris Potter, in which the soloist is to perform on a different flute for each movement. This work opens with a pensive theme utilizing an Egyptian mode, which leads way to a festive dance. In the flute choir version, the mood is augmented by the use of tambourine, drum, and finger cymbals.