Animalis

Animalis, derived from the Latin word for “breath” and representing the term for earthly creatures, is a concerto for flute and chamber ensemble that draws inspiration from animal-centered stories and fables passed down through generations. Each movement in Animalis explores a different narrative involving animals and the flute, capturing the magical and often whimsical interactions between them.

The first movement, Calling Sheep, is inspired by the tradition of shepherds across various cultures who use the flute to communicate with their sheep. This movement evokes the pastoral scenes where the flute serves as a guiding presence, imitating the gentle calls and melodies used to manage and comfort the flock.

The second movement, No Fish Were Charmed, is based on a Greek fable about a fisherman who attempts to use his flute to enchant fish into dancing. The narrative takes a darker turn when the fish refuse to dance, leading the fisherman to capture them in a net. He mocks their lack of dance before their inevitable demise. The movement reflects the fable’s humorous yet tragic tone, using the flute to depict the fisherman’s efforts and the fish’s futile resistance. The music captures the tension and irony of the situation, with playful yet poignant motifs that highlight the fisherman’s misguided attempt to use music for manipulation.

The final movement, Wolf Pipe, draws from an Aesop fable featuring a young goat who strays from the safety of the flock and encounters a wolf. As the wolf threatens to eat the young goat, the goat cleverly persuades the wolf to play his pipe one last time. The familiar tune attracts the flock’s protective dogs, who rush to the rescue, driving the wolf away and saving the goat. The movement portrays this dramatic and cunning escape with a blend of tension and relief, incorporating lively and rhythmic elements to convey the chase and the ultimate triumph of the young goat’s quick thinking.

Instrumentation:
Solo flute
2 Oboes
2 Bb Clarinets
2 Bassoons
2 Horns in F