Hellewell – Jazzrock Sonata

Here are the composer’s own programme notes:-

“The piece plays continuously, and lasts some 16 minutes. There are many varied and diverse sections as indicated by sub-titles such as: Classical Rock; Jazz-Funk; Swinging Baroque; Baroque Jazz; Classical-Blues flute cadenza (fully written-out, but may be improvised); a passionate and dynamic Piano Song Cadenza; Gentle Interlude; Passion Song a la Russe (in beguine rhythm); Grosse Funk! Eine Kleine Jazz-Musik!; and ending with a Medieval Boogie Blues.

The work has been played many times, and had great success with audiences and players alike. It was performed at the 1992 London International Flute Convention presented by The British Flute Society, and at the 1993 Bournemouth International Festival by Karen Jones (flute) and Paul Searle-Barnes (piano). An earlier flute and piano work of Hellewell’s, Metamusic, was chosen as the outstanding flute publication of 1976 by the American Flute Association.”

David Hellewell dedicated the Sonata to FlutePlay’s Peter Lynch, saying about his playing:-

“I commend your commitment and your excellent performance and recording. I must tell you: it is marvellous! I couldn’t wish for a finer performance: committed and beautifully played.”