The virtuoso face of flute chamber music

Three weeks ago, my good friend Franz Doppler, a famous flutist and composer, died in Baden near Vienna at the age of sixty-three. When we first met, he was a chaplain in the court opera and was invariably seen behind the conductor's desktop during the exhibitions of comic operas and ballets in this magnificent theatre. He was also the professor of orchestration at the Vienna Conservatory. Four of his operas (...) I had the pleasure of hearing in an excellent performance under his direction.

This is how the memoir of Franz Doppler in "The Theater: Monthly Review and Magazine" begins, between the stingy reviews of events in English theaters and the latest rumors from the Italian royal court. It was not without the reason. Lviv-born Franz Doppler and his brother Karl became famous for their great flute players during their lifetime, and to this day they are considered the greatest virtuosos of this instrument in the history. It is no coincidence, therefore, that their works were reached by the excellent soloists of our Symphony Orchestra – Joanna Kowalczyk and Filippo Del Noce.

The Concerts of the Doppler brothers left an unforgettable impression, especially on the ladies in the society. Squeezed into stiff corsets, a mandatory element of the then dress code, they sent them longing glances in response to emotional songs that still remain the most popular of flute literature. Franz was left-handed, which made the brothers appear as mirrors during the performances. Excellent virtuosity and composers' talents brought both to the top of XIX th century Europe's music career.

Franz Doppler's most representative works will be performed during the concert. "Pastoral Fantasy" is his most famous piece and a milestone in flute literature. Just like "Aris Valaques", it is based on folklore melodies. Other compositions are lyrical and virtuoso works based on operatic themes, showing the full potential of both the instrument and the performers.

It's the bicentenary of Franz's birth, and besides, it's a great written and very enjoyable game! Joanna Kowalczyk told us. This enthusiasm is the best recommendation that we can attach to the invitation to a joint evening with the music of the Doppler brothers.

Program:

• Franz Doppler – Fantaisie pastorale hongroise op. 26
• Franz Doppler – Airs Valaques op. 10
• Franz Doppler – Andante and rondo op. 25
• Karl i Franz Doppler – Rigoletto-Fantaisie op. 38 for two flutes and the piano

For those of you who want to enjoy flute music for much longer, we recommend a very pleasant album "Joanna and Rafał Kowalczykowie – Sonatas for the flute and the piano" available in our online store.

The concert: Philharmonics I DOPPLER on Sunday, June 27th at 7 p.m. on the YouTube and Facebook pages.