i Nocturno I, ii Nocturno II, iii Evening on the Sea
Written by Franz Behr in 1870-1878
i The Moon, ii The Morning Star, iii The Evening Star, iv The Pole Star
Paul Wingfield's most recent composition, 'The Moon and the Stars’, is dedicated to the Fira Duo. It is a piece based on Alfons Mucha’s series of four paintings with the same title and is written for flute, violin and piano. In light of Paul’s specialism in early twentieth-century music, the piece presents a modern take on the Neoclassical style, highlighting Mucha’s integral influence on the contemporary art and culture in Paris between the wars; particularly Art Nouveau and his relationship with composers of the time, such as Stravinsky and Martinu.
i Allegro ma non troppo, ii Andante sostenuto, iii Allegro vivace con spirito
The opening Allegro non troppo is entrusted largely to an insistent rhythm on the piano, above which the flute and the violin toss back and forth, as if in a game, echoes and fragments of a simple melodic figure. The central Andante sostenuto is like a brief dream in which the same figure assumes an entirely different aspect yet losing nothing of its identity. In the final Allegro vivace con spirito, it is once again the rhythm that predominates, obsessively imposed by the piano, leaving little room for either the violin or the flute to tear at the melodic fabric or indulge in harmonic pretentiousness. It is only in the Finale that the three instruments unite, like puppets that, having performed their various roles for the public’s entertainment, now take their bow.
i Prelude (Moderato), ii Gavotte (Tranquillo, molto leggiero), iii Elegy (Andantino), iv Waltz (Tempo di valse, moderato), v Polka (Vivace)
The Five Pieces are easy-to-follow film background music, suitable more for entertainment than for serious listening. The opening Prelude is sentimental and occasionally played as a separate piece. The second piece is a lively dance entitled Gavotte. Next is a lilting tune with the curious title Elegy. A swinging Waltz follows, and. the suite ends with a fast gypsy-style Polka.
Fira Ensemble (Flute/Violin/Piano Trio)
The Fira ensemble met during their studies at Trinity Laban College of Music and Dance, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the University of Cambridge. After this they began making music together and during their studies they were winners of the Colin Blythe Chamber Music Award. They have played at venues and societies throughout the UK, and their music ranges from Baroque through to Contemporary. They have worked with several composers promoting new works and along with their chamber music concerts they work in outreach with Music In Hospitals. As an ensemble they work with a number of pianists in their concerts including Dr Paul Wingfield and Raymond Yiu.
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