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Reena Esmail

Composer

Flute Sonata

May 17, 2019 by

Program Notes

The second movement of my Sonata for Flute and Piano begins in a Hindustani (north Indian) raga called Ahir Bhairav. I love the dark, yearning nature of Ahir Bhairav — the way it feels so otherworldly, and seems to long for a place that is just out of reach.

As the movement progresses, it moves into another raag called Rageshree — which is much more warm and enveloping. I love the way these raags combine, which you can hear at the end of the piece — it creates this layered atmosphere that juxtaposes deep yearning with comfort and warmth.

While both melodies adhere to the principals of Hindustani classical music, the act of combining them is something that can or would only take place in the context of Western music.

Recording

Flute Sonata, mmt 2
Susan Greenberg, flute
Dolores Stevens, piano

Audio Guide

Audio guide will be available for full sonata when it is completed.

Premiere/Performances

This piece is being commissioned by Chamber Music Palisades (Susan Greenberg, flute), and Benjamin Smolen, flute. The second movement of the sonata was premiered on April 16, 2019 at St. Mathew’s Church in Pacific Palisades, CA by Susan Greenberg (flute) and Dolores Stevens (piano). The premiere of the other two movements is upcoming, by Benjamin Smolen.

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Instrumentation: flute, piano
Duration: 7'
Year: 2019
Movements: 1 (two more to be added in upcoming seasons)
Commissioned By:

Chamber Music Palisades (Susan Greenberg, flute), and Benjamin Smolen, flute


Esmail is the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s 2020-2025 Swan Family Artist in Residence, and was Seattle Symphony’s 2020-21 Composer-in-Residence. She also holds awards/fellowships from United States Artists, the S&R Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Kennedy Center.

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