Greenaway, Sally - Poems I, II, III for flute and piano

Poems [I, II, III] is a collection of 3 short works for violoncello and piano have been inspired by Reynaldo Hahn's exquisite French mélodie pieces. Every note has been carefully written to paint the warmth of expression: a whisper or a tenderness, deep sorrow or the beauty of stillness. There are little moments of shimmering piano accompaniment reminiscent of the music of Philip Glass, which supports the lyrical cello voice. Due to many requests from violinists and flautists (etc.) the composer has since re-scored the work for other instrumental settings.

The pieces are influenced by 'Roses du Soir' by Pierre Louys

As soon as night rises in the sky, the world belongs to us, and to the gods.
We go from field to spring, from dark wood to forest glade, wherever our bare feet lead us.
Tiny stars shine just enough for the tiny shadows that we are. Sometimes, under the low-hanging boughs, we come across hinds asleep.

But more alluring than anything else at night-time is a spot known only to us
and which entices us into the forest: a mysterious rose bush.
For there is nothing so divine on earth as to compare with the scent of roses in the night.
How is it that when I was alone I did not feel intoxicated by it?

Instrumentation: Duo: Flute & Piano

Year: 2018

Work duration: 6min 40sec

Difficulty/level: Grade 7-8

Movement list:
Poem I
Poem II
Poem III

Commissioned by: (revised scoring for flute and piano) Sally Walker

Cello Version on this video