Sonata for Two Flutes No. 5: Vivace

Eric Shelton and Dale Tumey, flute

Music by Georg Philipp Telemann

From Dale: A significant number of the Psalms are songs of lament. The Vivace movement of the 5th Sonata for two flutes is filled with plaintive phrases that evoke moments of lament. A clear example of this is in the opening few seconds where one flute outlines a minor chord in various ways. Then the other flute joins in, paraphrasing the musical statement a fifth above with a new minor chord. Behind this, the flute that started the piece plays counterpoint so that together the two flutes provide an even stronger (minor key) lamentation.

This musical lament is repeated later in the Sonata. But let us not forget, there are even more Psalms that are songs of praise and thanksgiving. And this piece does not disappoint! Every plaintive musical plea resolves into an uplifting major key modality. The two flute lines musically interweave in joy and exaltation. It’s as if instead of using words, the notes, harmonies, and rhythms are crying out praise to God and thanking him. We hope you enjoy listening to this selection as much as we enjoy playing it.