Two Caprices for solo flute

Two Caprices for Solo Flute by Janet Beat

For Paula Azguime

Dialogue (duration: 5:15)

Krishna’s Hymn to the Dawn (duration: 5:30)

“Dialogue” represents a dialogue between two different characters indicated by the use of the highest and lowest registers of the flute, and by the dynamics associated with them.  The first character is high in pitch, loud and fiery, whilst the second is low in pitch, quiet and melancholic.  “Krishna’s Hymn to the Dawn” incorporates some elements taken from Hindu classical music, notably the use of the early morning Rag Lalit whose notes and mood of longing color the slow opening.  However, the melody line is thoroughly western in it’s development.  The slow introduction (the equivalent of an alap) leads to a highly rhythmic section (a gat).  In the latter, the repeated notes, which interrupt the melody, represent the drumming of the tabla.

-Janet Beat (b.1937)