By Justin Fox, Staff Writer
On Saturday night, Charlotte Lewis ‘27 performed her senior flute recital in the Paul Recital Hall. Lewis is studying to be a music educator, which she said has allowed her to discover how much goes into planning a performance, especially one containing multiple solo pieces.
Her program for this recital was accompanied by other woodwind players from the conservatory, and piano accompaniment played by Dr. Scott Crowne.
To open the program was the first two movements of “Sonata Undine” for flute and piano by German composer Carl Reinecke. The piece musically told the story of Undine, the water nymph who leaves her kingdom in search of love. Smooth, tranquil tunes filled the first movement during Undine’s time in the ocean. The second movement then switched between sudden bursts and slow, amorous sections as the nymph falls in love with a knight. Lewis, in her program notes, praises how the music displays a variety of emotions on the flute while also containing technical areas, reflecting the Romantic Era’s fascination with nature and an escape from the life of modern times.
Next was “Lamentable,” the second movement of the fourth piece from Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s “Six Duets for Two Flutes,” in which Lewis dueted with Phoebe Lampos ‘27 (oboe). Many advanced techniques are seen in the piece’s composition, including fugues, binary form, modulating keys and rhythmic complexity. This created a unique sound between the two woodwinds, still reminiscent of the Baroque era.
Following this was “Fireflies” by Herman Beeftink, who has been one of Lewis’ favorite flute composers since middle school. Grace Dies ‘28 (piccolo) joined Lewis for this rendition. Both instruments climbed with technical flexibility to the highest of their registers to depict fireflies in the night sky. The two woodwinds spent most of the piece in their own individual, complex parts, occasionally breaking for moments of satisfying unison.
Lewis closed her recital with a solo version of British composer Ian Clarke’s “Within.” Over a recorded backing track, she switched impressively between three different instruments: flute, piccolo, and alto flute. The piece showcased several advanced techniques on the instruments, including the bending of notes, and even different timbres and the use of multiphonics. The music had the influence of both jazz and popular music, featuring indicative harmonies and tones that delivered memorable tunes to the audience.
Lewis said that her time in the Sunderman Conservatory has made her more confident as both a musician and teacher, and that her involvement in ensembles and what she has learned in classes in the department have made her more comfortable performing and preparing programs. When asked if she had any advice for future students of the Conservatory, she placed an importance on taking opportunities that are available, including participating in extra ensembles, or even picking up a secondary instrument. Most importantly, Lewis is grateful for the relationships she has built with faculty and fellow students during her time at the Conservatory.
(By Emily Cook/The Gettysburgian)
