Jonathan Cohen

Notes from the Flock

Notes From The Flock was commissioned by Tim Friedlander for the Gaithersburg Flute Camp (Maryland), for which the 2006 theme was birds. The first movement, 'Air Cannon', has this annotation: 'The flock approaches, wheels, and departs, in choreography that is both ancient and fresh. The members of the flock call and respond: in voice and in movement they call and respond ' a delicate dance of organization and individuality. ' The second movement, called 'The Buzzards' Ballet', is a sinister, absurd, and comedic romp in harmonic minor. The piece finishes with 'Morning Flight', which has this notation: 'A sunny still morning. Slowly, the breeze picks up and begins to drive over theridge. Figures perched at the edge wait in the silence for just enough wind in the face. With single step and outstretched wing, the ground flashes away in a ride that never loses its exhilaration. Then the music starts.... ' Scored for piccolo, 4 C flutes, alto flute, bass flute, and optional contrabass flute. Performance time: approximately 6 minutes.