By Justin Fox, Staff Writer
On Saturday Oct. 24, Charlotte Lewis ’27 performed her senior flute recital in the Paul Recital Hall. The preparation and performance of this recital is the culmination of her four years of music and education study at the Sunderman Conservatory. “As a future music educator,” Lewis said, “I discovered just how much goes into planning a performance, from programming pieces to scheduling extra rehearsals to printing programs and posters. It was also a new experience to prepare multiple solo pieces for performance at once.” Her program for this recital was accompanied by other woodwind students from the Conservatory, and piano accompaniment was played by Dr. Scott Crowne.
The program opened with the first two movements of “Sonata Undine” for flute and piano by German composer Carl Reinecke. The piece told the story of Undine, the water nymph who leaves her kingdom in search of love. Smooth, tranquil tunes filled the first movement, representing Undine’s time in the ocean. The second movement then switched between sudden bursts and slow, amorous interludes 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, which reflects the Romantic Era’s fascination with nature and an escape from the life of modern times. This emotion was emphasized by considerable demonstrations of technical prowess.
(By Emily Cook/The Gettysburgian)
Next was “Lamentable,” the second movement of the fourth piece from Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s “Six Duets for Two Flutes,” in which Lewis was joined by Phoebe Lampos ‘27 on the oboe. Many advanced techniques are seen in the piece’s composition, including fugues, binary form, modulating keys, and rhythmic complexity. These created a unique sound between the two woodwinds, still reminiscent of the Baroque Era.
The following piece was “Fireflies” by Herman Beeftink. “Herman Beeftink has been one of my favorite flute composers since middle school,” Lewis said. Grace Dies ‘28 joined her on the piccolo 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 converging 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 seemlessly 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 reflected on how the Sunderman Conservatory has greatly benefitted her future. “Being in the Sunderman Conservatory has given me a lot more confidence as a player and a teacher,” she said. “I’ve used what I’ve learned from music theory, aural skills, and musicology to help prepare my program, and taking lessons and playing in ensembles has made me more comfortable with performing.”
When asked if she had advice she would give to future Conservatory students, she placed an emphasis on seizing opportunities, saying “take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to you, like participating in extra ensembles, taking other classes that interest you, or even taking lessons on a secondary instrument.” Most importantly, Lewis is grateful for the relationships she has built with faculty and fellow students.
(By Emily Cook/The Gettysburgian)
