This Mazurka with its characteristic emphasis on the second beat of the bar consists basically of a rondo theme separated by episodes in (mostly) related keys. When I first heard it it occurred to me that it would work particularly well for the flute accompanied by piano (or indeed harp). The harp's basic key is Cb major making flat keys more natural for the instrument. The key here is Bb minor which has a warmth well-suited to the flute although the piece does touch on Db major F minor and C major before ending triumphantly in Bb major.The first performance was given by Philip Tinker in March 2006.

Aztec Dances was commissioned by Christopher Orton with the assistance of the BBC Performing Arts Fund. The first performance was given by Christopher Orton (recorder) and Magdalena Nasidlak (piano) at a concert in the Manchester Midday Concerts series at the Bridgewater Hall Manchester in March 2010.The version for flute and piano was premiered by Wissam Boustany (Flute) and Aleksander Szram (Piano) at St James?s Church Piccadilly on Thursday 19 May 2011.1. Ritual/Pastorale2. Fertility Dance3. Ghost Dance/Song4. Sacrificial Dance Composer's Note The idea for the genesis of thiswork and indeed its title and individual movements came after visiting an exhibition at the British Museum entitled Moctezuma ?Aztec Ruler. The exhibition traced the events following the election in 1502 of Moctezuma as Supreme Ruler of the Aztecs and the subsequent invasion of 1519 by a Spanish expedition led by Hermán Cortés ? an event that was to eventually lead to the demise of the Aztec civilisation.Part of the exhibition explored the role that music and dance played in Aztec life. The primitive recorder together with trumpets and drums were used as an important part of the formal ritual ceremonies (including rather gruesomely human sacrifice) that took place to appease the many Gods which the Aztecs worshipped as well as for other more informal occasions in their social and cultural life.I have tried to reflect some of these highly contrasting and dramatic ideas in this four movement work.        Edward Gregson

This collection of 21 popular tunes has been carefully arranged and graded to provide attractive teaching repertoire for young flautists. The familiarity of the material will stimulate pupils' enthusiasm and encourage theirpractice. The technical demands of the solo part increase progresively up to the standard of Associated Board Grade I. The piano accompaniments are simple yet effective and should be within the range of most pianists.Jerry Lanning is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is a widely experienced arranger in both popular and classical fields with many published arrangements to his credit. He also teaches(mainly the piano) at Wycombe Abbey School and Bradfield College.