“Landscapes of Sorrow and Grace” Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (flute solo, orchestra: 2,2,2,2; 4,3,3,1; timpani, percussion, harp; strings) by Nina Siniakova
“Landscapes of Sorrow and Grace”, Concerto for Flute and Orchestra ( 2024) is an exploration of the human soul—its journey through life, emotions, growth, soaring flights, and inevitable drops.
It is written for and dedicated to an exceptional musician, celebrated Belgian flutist Berten D’Hollander. Inspired by his extraordinary virtuosity, profound musicality, and incomparably distinctive sound, recognizable from the first note, the concerto highlights all the possibilities of flute playing from virtuosic brilliance to expressive cantilena. I was particularly struck by his low register, which has remarkable warmth and projection.
I made a conscious effort to feature it extensively throughout the piece.
Berten belongs to the kind of musicians who are fearless and eager to explore anything. He told me, “Remember: there are no limits.” I was both excited and a little intimidated, but this sense of freedom allowed me to discover new horizons in my own musical language and in flute writing.
It was somewhat tricky to position the flute in front of a large orchestra with the danger of flute simply being not heard through that power, so I chose to contrast the tutti sections with more transparent fragments, allowing the flute to be clearly heard. As a result, there are several moments where the flute “communicates” with the orchestra—engaging, initiating, or wondering.
Concerto opens up with his musically imprinted initials- BDH ( b flat, d, b natural) and has this sequence as a general plan of the tonal development.
The work consist of several large episodes. Flute solo cadenza opens the concerto, followed by orchestral episodes, bringing the development to a climax. Coda, “a walk to the heaven”, features flute alongside harp, vibraphone and solo double bass.
The work is yet to receive its world premiere- and we are very much looking forward to it.
To listen to [AUDIO/RECORDING/PERFORMANCE] visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRptDJltKWw
The score is available for $70 at: sinanina812@gmail.com
For more information, please contact sinanina812@gmail.com. And, to explore more of Nina Siniakova’s music visit: www.ninasiniakova.com
For a perusal score, click here.