Kevin Leomo: Nocturne [download]

for alto flute

Nocturne alludes to the experience of walking alone at night. The piece explores a wide array of sounds and timbres afforded by the alto flute, informed by the performance practice and colours of the Japanese shakuhachi.

The subtlety of natural sounds at night is reflected by the flute’s slight changes to timbre: inflections, surprises, pauses, extreme quiet, and distant sounds. Aspects central to the work are the notions of silence and space, which are abundant in a nocturnal setting. Additionally, various states are represented, from calm and serene to more agitated and hurried movement.

Written for Conrad Marshall as part of the Psappha Ensemble Composing for Flute Scheme. Premiered at St. Michael’s Hall, Manchester on May 4, 2017.