Virtuosa Flute Solos
Flute solos by women composers from the Baroque era to the present
This database features intermediate and advanced level solos for c flute by women composers from the Baroque era to the present day. Each era is accompanied by a corresponding playlist, and several historical pieces are available in the public domain. (For piccolo and low flutes, check out the Flute Family page!)
Although many resources on women composers center contemporary music, a majority of the pieces below were composed before 1950. Engaging with the music of our own times is super important – but since many institutions emphasize repertoire from historical eras, we lose over half of our opportunities to highlight music by women composers if we’re unfamiliar with historical works.
I’ve organized the information below by era to ease readability. Alternatively, you can view this database as a single, searchable spreadsheet with re-orderable columns.
And if all this information feels overwhelming, don’t worry – I’ve got you. Check out my VFS Starter Guide for recommendations on programming and some of my favorite pieces from this list.
A few notes on the info below:
- Years listed are the year of composition, if known. If not, I’ve listed the years when the composer lived.
- Most videos in the embedded playlists highlight performances by women flutists; however, I’ve included performances by men for pieces with limited recordings online.
- This a constantly evolving resource. If you have a favorite piece that isn’t listed or don’t see information you would find helpful, please let me know via my contact page.
** This webpage works best in desktop view. On mobile devices, the tables below scroll both horizontally and vertically. **
Flute Solos by Women Composers
Baroque Era
In Baroque Europe, women were not typically allowed to play wind or string instruments or compose. Those who did often came from musical families, while others were nuns or students at institutions like the Ospedale della Pietà.
Most Baroque flute solos by women composers came from the Prussian court and the musical circle around Frederick the Great’s sisters. However, the majority of Baroque flute music I’ve come across are trio sonatas and pieces for small chamber ensemble.
In this era, instruments were also more interchangeable – and many pieces that our modern catalogs label as violin solos could alternatively be played on flute. Therefore, I’m including a few violin sonatas below to provide additional options.
Baroque & Classical Era Solos
To view the full playlist, click on the three lines in the top right or the link in the title above the video.
Flute Solos & Transcriptions
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilhelmine von Bayreuth | Sonata in a minor | 1730 | Elder sister of Frederick the Great | Fl, pf | Furore Verlag |
Francesca Caccini | Lasciatemi qui solo | 1618 | From “Il Primo Libro delle Musiche;” Nicole Esposito takes mm. 58-76 8va; for voice + continuo but playable on flute | V, bc | Early Music Scores |
Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre | 6 Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord | 1707 | AKA “6 Sonatas for Harpsichord that can be Played on the Violin;” for violin + continuo but playable on flute; also available from Furore Verlag, ed. Bates | Vl, bc | Public Domain |
Anna Amalia von Preußen | Sonata in F | 1723-1787 | Youngest sister of Frederick the Great | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Barbara Strozzi | Che si puo fare | 1619-1677 | Originally for voice + continuo; included in collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute”; demo on publisher’s site | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Classical Era
Like with their early 18th century counterparts, the narrow range of instruments considered socially acceptable limited the musical activities of Classical era women. They primarily hosted salon concerts and performed on keyboard instruments, harp, or voice.
As a result, most compositions featuring the flute are sonatas for keyboard instruments with flute accompaniment. While they’re not technically flute solos, I’ve included a few to give a more balanced perspective on the musical landscape of the time – not all musicians were celebrity virtuosos who toured Europe and performed flashy concerti.
Classical & Baroque Era Solos
To view the full playlist, click on the three lines in the top right or the link in the title above the video.
Flute Solos & Transcriptions
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maria Theresia von Paradis | Sicilienne in E-flat Major | 1759-1824 | Originally for violin; see “Transcriptions” tab in IMSLP | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Maddalena Laura Sirmen | Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 2, No. 2 | 1745-1818 | This almost works for flute, but a few figures with notes below the flute range need to be altered. However, as I have yet to find a Classical era flute concerto by a woman composer, this piece is the closest alternative. | Vl, orch | Public Domain |
Anna Bon di Venezia | Six Sonatas, Op. 1 | 1756 | Writes in a transitional late Baroque / early Classical style | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Accompanied Keyboard Pieces
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caroline Boissier-Butini | Piano Concerto No. 6 | 1786-1836 | See “Transcriptions” tab in IMSLP for obbligato flute part | Pf, fl obb | Public Domain |
Sophia Dussek | Sonata for Pianoforte, Op. 1 | 1793 | First published in 1995 | Pf, fl acc | Hildegard Publishing |
Jane Mary Guest | 6 Sonatas, Op. 1 | 1783 | Dedicated to Queen Charlotte of Great Britain | Kbd, fl/vl acc | Public Domain |
Anne Valentine | 10 Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin or Flute | 1790 | Kbd, fl/vl acc | ClarNan Editions |
Romantic Era
Although social restrictions on women composers began to loosen towards the end of the Romantic era, many still found it difficult to work their way up through the musical ranks. That said, this is where we start to seeing baddass women who were finally able to crack the glass ceiling.
In 1873, Josephine Amann-Weinlich founded the first all-women symphony orchestra in Europe. Cécile Chaminade became the first woman awarded the Légion d’honneur in 1913, and Lili Boulanger won the Prix de Rome that same year.
While many of the pieces below exhibit similar characteristics to “standard” flute solos, we also have the addition of character pieces that were often played in music salons hosted by women in the private sphere. Although character pieces were often characterized as “trendy” or “too emotional,” they make beautiful recital pieces that show off the nuance and lyricism of the Romantic style.
Romantic Era Flute Solos
To view the full playlist, click on the three lines in the top right or the link in the title above the video.
Flute Solos & Transcriptions
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska | La prière d’une vierge, Op.4 | 1856 | AKA Théela Badarzevska; originally for piano; transcription based on version in Am häuslichen Herd, Op.406, ed. Kron | Fl, pf | Flute Tunes |
Ethel Barns | Humoresque | 1909 | Violin solo within flute range (leave out the double stops) | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Louise Bertin | Overture du loup-garou | 1827 | Comic opera overture; see “Transcriptions” tab in IMSLP; arr. Bertin | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Maria Bianchini | Fantasia Fantastica sull’aria “Casta Diva” dall’opera Norma di V. Bellini | 1835-1910 | Composer was a virtuoso flutist | Fl | Scribd |
Leopoldine Blahetka | Variations, Op. 39 | 1835 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Mel Bonis | Air Vaudois | 1916 | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack | |
Mel Bonis | Andante et Allegro, Op. 133 | 1929 | European publisher – special order to US | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack |
Mel Bonis | Pièce, Op. 189 | 1880s | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Mel Bonis | Scherzo, Op. Posth. 187 | Undated | Final movement of a lost sonata found by family after her death in 1937 | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack |
Mel Bonis | Selected Pieces | 1890s | 4 pieces originally for piano: Près de ruisseau, Pensées d’automne, Meditation, and Viennoise; arr. Rainford | Fl, pf | Forton Music |
Mel Bonis | Sonata in c# minor, Op. 64 | 1904 | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack | |
Mel Bonis | Une Flûte Soupire, Op. 121 | 1936 | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack | |
Lili Boulanger | Boulanger: Complete Flute Works | 1893-1918 | 4 short pieces: D’un matin de printemps, Nocturne, Cortège, and Pièce; ed. Weinzierl & Wächter | Fl/vl, pf | Edition Schott |
Lili Boulanger | Cortège | 1914 | Published as “Deux Morceaux” with “Nocturne,” ed. Bastable; at 3:00 in playlist video | Fl/vl, pf | International Music Company |
Lili Boulanger | D’un Matin de Printemps | 1917 | Character pieces can be performed separately, or together as movements | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Lili Boulanger | Nocturne | 1911 | Originally for violin; arr. Jan L. R. | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Lili Boulanger | Pièce | 1910 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Clarisse Bourdeney | 3 Églogues, Op. 61 | 1912 | Fl, pf | Public Domain | |
Dora Bright | Romance and Seguidilla | 1891 | Fl, pf | Trübcher Music Editions | |
Teresa Carreño | Corbeille des Fleurs, Op. 9 | 1853-1917 | Venezuelan composer; waltz; abridged version in collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute” | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Teresa Carreño | Mi Teresita | 1896 | Venezuelan composer; violin transcription playable on flute, arr. Hartmann. Also published as “Keiner Waltzer” | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Air de Ballet, Op. 30 | 1911 | Originally for solo piano | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Automne, Op. 35, No. 2 | 1893 | Originally for solo piano; arr. Wye | Fl, pf | Falls House Press |
Cécile Chaminade | Concertino, Op. 107 | 1902 | Concert band transcription arr. Wilson published by Carl Fischer | Fl, pf/orch | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Pastorale Enfantine, Op. 12 | 1898 | Originally for solo piano; arr. Alder | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Pièce Romantique, Op. 9 | 1897 | Originally for solo piano; arr. Lafleurance | Fl, pf | Éditions Durand |
Cécile Chaminade | Sérénade aux Etoiles, Op. 142 | 1911 | Also included in collections “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” and “Three Pieces” arr. Bastable | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Sérénade Espagnole, Op. 150 | 1904 | For violin & piano but playable on flute; ed. Kreisler | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Cécile Chaminade | Three Pieces for Flute and Piano | 1892-1911 | Arr. Bastable. Includes Sérénade aux Etoiles, Op. 142; Mignonne; and Thème Varié, Op. 89 | Fl, pf | International Music Company |
Cécile Chaminade | Three Pieces for Flute and Piano | 1900s | Arr. Joras. Includes L’Ondine, Op. 101; La Lisonjera, Op. 50; and Valse, Op. 77, No. 2 | Fl, pf | ALRY Publications |
Cécile Chaminade | Toccata, Op. 39 | 1887 | Originally for solo piano; fast, virtuosic show piece; arr. Buonanni | Fl, pf | International Music Company |
Cécile Chaminade | Villanelle | 1894 | Originally for voice and piano; arr. Stroud | Fl, pf | International Music Company |
Hedwige Chrétien | Vision | 1920 | Became a professor at the Paris Conservatoire in 1889 | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Louise Farrenc | Étude Op. 50, No. 2 | 1876 | Originally for solo piano; included in collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute” | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Louise Farrenc | Mélodie | 1846 | Originally for solo piano; arr. Debbaut | Fl, pf | ArrangeMe |
Chiquinha Gonzaga | Atraente (Polka) | 1877 | Brazillian composer, also published under the name “Francisca Gonzaga.” Playlist video is a different arrangement; alto flute transcription published by AssuntoGrave | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Chiquinha Gonzaga | Gaúcho | 1895 | Brazillian composer; from the burlesque operetta “Zizinha Maxixe.” In collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute” | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Chiquinha Gonzaga | Lua Branca | 1910 | Brazillian composer; originally for voice. From the operetta Forrobodó; arr. Phillips | Fl, gtr | A. J. Cornell Publications |
Chiquinha Gonzaga | Não insistas, rappariga! | 1847-1935 | Brazillian composer; short polka; arr. Aquino | Fl, pf | AssuntoGrave |
Clémence de Grandval | Suite de Morceaux | 1876 | 5 movements; a great substitution for the Widor Suite | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Clémence de Grandval | Valse Mélancolique | 1898 | Composer is also known as Marie Grandval | Fl, hp | Public Domain |
Augusta Holmès | Clair de Lune | 1847-1903 | Ed. Weinzierl & Wächter | Fl, pf | Schott Music |
Augusta Holmès | Trois Petites Pièces | 1847-1903 | Chanson, Clair de lune, and Gigue; ed. Myre | Fl, pf | Tux People’s Music |
Johanna Kinkel | ‘Johanna’ Medley of themes from her songs | 1810-1858 | Arr. Trubger; includes melodies from Ein froehliches Staendchen, Abschied, Turm und Flut, Provencalisches Lied, and Beduinen-Romanze | Fl, pf | Trübcher Music Editions |
Emilie Mayer | Notturno, Op. 48 | 1812-1883 | Originally for violin; arr. Neuman | Fl, pf | Naama Neuman |
Emilie Mayer | Sonata in D Major | 1812-1883 | Originally for violin; arr. Terragni | Fl, pf | Furore Verlag |
Fanny Mendelssohn | Italien | 1827 | Originally for voice and piano; arr. MSM Press | Fl, pf | Open Cloud |
Fanny Mendelssohn | Notturno, Andantino in G Minor (H. 337) | 1805-1847 | Originally for solo piano; included in collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute” | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Fanny Mendelssohn | Schwanenlied | 1846 | Originally for voice | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Laura Netzel | Berceuse, Op. 69 | 1900 | Composer also published under pen name “N. Lago” | Fl/vl, pf | Public Domain |
Laura Netzel | Colibri, Op. 72 | 1912 | Title translates to “hummingbird;” fun piece for a spring recital; handwritten score | Fl/vl, pf | Public Domain |
Laura Netzel | La Gondoliera, Op. 60 | 1896 | Written for violin but playable on flute (playlist video is an unpublished transcription) | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Laura Netzel | Humoresque, Op. 37 | 1896 | For violin but playable on flute | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Laura Netzel | Suite, Op. 33 | 1900 | Dedicated to Paul Taffanel | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Amanda Röntgen-Maier | Sonata in B Minor | 1878 | Originally for violin; arr. Wincenc | Fl, pf | Hal Leonard/Keiser |
Clara Schumann | Notturno, Op. 6, No. 2 | 1819-1896 | Included in collection “10 Masterpieces by Women Composers for Flute” | Fl, pf | 8 Notes |
Clara Schumann | Three Romances, Op. 22 | 1819-1896 | Originally for violin and piano; arr. Brown | Fl, pf | Falls House Press |
Rita Strohl | Solitude | 1897 | Violin version is playable on flute | Vl/vcl, pf | Public Domain |
Pauline Viardot | Fleur Desséchée | 1821-1910 | Originally for voice and piano; arr. MSM Press | Fl, pf | Open Cloud |
Pauline Viardot | Romance, Six Morceaux No. 1 | 1821-1910 | Violin solo playable on flute (leave out the double stops) | Vl, pf | Public Domain |
Agnes Zimmermann | Variations on Mendelssohn’s ‘Hirtenlied’ | 1880 | No online recordings, but the Greater Portland Flute Society and Pan journal have both published reviews | Fl, pf | Music Haven |
20th Century
World War II was one of the most important events for women in the history of Western classical music. Our field was one of many where women were now allowed to work in positions previously held only by men, and this was the first cohort of women who were able to officially claim the title of “professional” musician.
On top of that, this century brought shifts in the social settings where the flute was performed and the way that the instrument’s sound was characterized. After centuries of predominantly “masculine” associations, the flute became one of the most popular instruments for women classical musicians.
During this century, we also begin to see more women composers writing flute solos and a broader variety of musical publications accessible to flutists.
20th Century Flute Solos
To view the full playlist, click on the three lines in the top right or the link in the title above the video.
Flute Solos & Transcriptions
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caroline Ansink | Epitaph fur Marius | b. 1959 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Claude Arrieu | Concerto in G Major | 1946 | Piano reduction | Fl, pf | Boosey & Hawkes |
Claude Arrieu | Pièce pour Flûte et Piano (Sicilienne) | 1903-1990 | Fl, pf | Editions Amphion | |
Claude Arrieu | Scherzo | 1903-1990 | Fl/vln, pf | Enoch | |
Claude Arrieu | Sonatine | 1944 | Claude Arrieu was the pen name for Louise Marie Simon | Fl, pf | Editions Amphion |
Emma Louise Ashford | At Sunset | 1920 | Originally for organ; violin arrangement playable on flute; arr. Höger | Vl, gtr | Public Domain |
Francine Aubin | Nocturne | 2008 | Fl, pf | Gerard Billaudot | |
Francine Aubin | Valse de l’Aiglon | 1938-2016 | Fl, pf | Editions Robert Martin | |
Grażyna Bacewicz | Sonata for Flute & Piano | 1909-1969 | Special import to US available via Hal Leonard – allow 6-8 weeks for shipping | Fl, pf | Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne |
Elsa Barraine | Elegie et Ronde | 1936 | Prix de Rome winner & member of Front National des Musiciens with Poulenc & Dutilleux | Fl, pf | Alphonse Leduc |
Marion Bauer | Prelude and Fugue, Op. 43 | 1947 | Ed. Aichele & Pickett; possibly composed for Edith Sagul | Fl, pf | Hildegard Publishing |
Amy Beach | La Fée de la Fontaine | 1907 | from Les Rêves de Columbine, Op. 65; originally for solo piano | Fl, pf | International Music Co. |
Amy Beach | Five Selected Pieces | 1867-1944 | Berceuse, Op. 40, No. 2; Mazurka, Op. 40, No. 3; Invocation, Op. 55; Barcarolle, Op. 28, No. 1; Romance, Op. 23; arr. Brown | Fl, pf | Falls House Press |
Amy Beach | From Grandmother’s Garden, Op. 97 | 1922 | Originally for solo piano, arr. Gibson; Nos. 2 and 3 can be purchased individually via ArrangeMe | Fl, pf | ALRY Publications |
Amy Beach | Romance. Op. 23 | 1867-1944 | Arr. Stillman; originally for violin and piano; available from mimistillman.com | Fl, pf | Syrinx Press |
Amy Beach | Sonata in a minor, Op. 34 | 1896 | Originally for violin; transcribed by Alexa Still | Fl, pf | International Opus |
Henriëtte Bosmans | Concertstuk | 1929 | Audio recording on publisher’s website | Fl, pf/orch | Donemus |
Anne Boyd | Goldfish Through Summer Rain | 1979 | Fl, pf | Faber Editions | |
Marthe Henriod Bracquemond | Sonatine pour flûte seule | 1898-1973 | Fl | Alphonse Leduc | |
Thérèse Brenet | Lynx | b. 1935 | Fl, pf | Musik Fabrik Music Publishing | |
Christine Bruckner | Tsetono | b. 1967 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Gloria Coates | Phantom | b. 1938 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Avril Coleridge-Taylor | Idylle, Op.21 | 1923 | Composer’s full name: Gwendolen Avril Coleridge-Taylor | Fl, pf | Boosey & Hawkes |
Ruth Crawford | Diaphonic Suite | 1930 | For unaccompanied flute or oboe | Fl/ob | Merion Music |
Madeleine Dring | Polka for Flute and Piano | 1923-1977 | Fl, pf | Josef Weinberger | |
Dorothee Eberhardt | Traume | b. 1952 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté | Berceuse, E. 55 | 1899-1974 | Fl, pf | Plangere Editions | |
Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté | Improvisation, E. 56 | 1899-1974 | Fl, pf | Plangere Editions | |
Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté | Two Prestos, E. 89 / E. 129 | 1899-1974 | Fl, pf | Plangere Editions | |
Katherine Eggar | Idyll | 1910 | Active member of the feminist movement in London | Fl, pf | ALRY Publications |
Vivian Fine | The Flicker | 1973 | Handwritten score; some program notes on IMSLP | Fl | Public Domain |
Cynthia Folio | Arca Sacra | b. 1954 | Composer is also a flutist & music theorist | Fl | Hildegard Publishing |
D. Antoinette Handy | Hommage à Haute Savoie | 1955 | 5 short impressions; Black composer who was a flutist & arts administrator | Fl | ClarNan Editions |
Peggy Glanville-Hicks | Sonatina | 1938 | For flute/treble recorder & piano; PDF version available | Fl/trec, pf | Edition Schott |
Lita Grier | Sonata | 1956 | Fl, pf | Ldg Music Publishing | |
Sofia Gubaidulina | Allegro Rustico & Sounds of the Forest | 1963 | Fl, pf | Sikorski | |
Barbara Heller | Parlano | 1993 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Mary Howe | Interlude Between Two Pieces | 1882-1964 | Published in collection “Twentieth Century Music for Flute and Piano or Flute Solo” | Fl, pf | Hildegard Publishing |
Miriam Hyde | Dancing Shadows | 1913-2005 | Post-romantic style; available in US through FluteWorld | Fl, pf | Australian Musc Centre |
Miriam Hyde | Flute Sonata | 1962 | PDF download option available | Fl, pf | Wirripang Pty Ltd |
Ginette Keller | Chant de Parthénope | 1968 | Student of Nadia Boulanger | Fl, pf | Editions Max Eschig |
Zhanna Kolodub | Nocturne and Poem | b. 1930 | Ukrainian composer; recording on SoundCloud @Terem-Music | Fl, pf | Terem Music |
Felicitas Kukuck | Sonate | 1941 | Composer was also a flutist | Fl, pf | Möseler Verlag |
Libby Larsen | Aubade | 1982 | Fl | E. C. Schirmer Music Company | |
Consuela Lee | Sonata for Flute and Piano | 1959 | Black composer | Fl, pf | American Composers Alliance |
Ivana Loudová | Suite for Solo Flute | b. 1941 | Fl | G Schirmer, Inc. | |
Elizabeth Maconchy | Colloquy | 1979 | Fl, pf | Chester Music | |
Alma Mahler | Laue Sommernacht | 1910 | Originally for voice and piano; arr. MSM Press | Fl, pf | Open Cloud |
Joyce Solomon Moorman | Three Pieces for Flute | 1980 | Black composer | Fl | JW Pepper |
Geraldine Mucha | Nâse Cesta (Our Journey) | 2008 | Ed. Beynon | Fl, pf | Riverberi Sonori |
Meta Overman | Flute Sonata No. 1 | 1907-1993 | PDF download option available | Fl, pf | Wirripang Pty Ltd |
Meta Overman | Flute Sonata No. 2 | 1907-1993 | PDF download option available | Fl, pf | Wirripang Pty Ltd |
Younghi Pagh-Paan | Dreisam Nore | 1975 | Korean composer; Extended techniques include flutter tongue, harmonics, and glissandos | Fl | Ricordi Berlin |
Dora Pejačević | Slavic Sonata in b minor, Op. 43 | 1917 | Fl, pf | Edition Kossack | |
Barbara Pentland | Sonatina for Solo Flute | 1954 | Fl | Avondale Press | |
Barbara Pentland | Trance | 1978 | Fl, hp | Avondale Press | |
Florence Price | Adoration | 1951 | Black composer; originally for organ; flute version under “Transcriptions” tab on IMSLP, arr. Fine | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Florence Price | The Deserted Garden | 1933 | Black composer; originally for violin and piano; arr. Luke | Fl, pf | Public Domain |
Marguerite Roesgen-Champion | Danse Rituelle | 1894-1976 | Fl, hp | Lyra Music | |
Marguerite Roesgen-Champion | Suite Française | 1983 | Fl, hp | Gerard Billaudot | |
Ruth Schonthal | A Bird’s Song About… | 1991 | Impressionistic concert piece | Fl, pf | Furore Verlag |
Germaine Tailleferre | Concertino | 1953 | Double concerto for flute & piano; premiered by Rampal | Fl, pf | Gerard Billaudot |
Germaine Tailleferre | Deuxième Sonate (Sonata No. 2) | 1951 | Originally for violin; arr. Kunzer | Fl, pf | ALRY Publications |
Germaine Tailleferre | Forlane | 1972 | Included in the collection “Flötenmusik von Komponistinnen” | Fl, pf | Edition Schott |
Germaine Tailleferre | Pastorale | 1919 | Originally for violin | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Germaine Tailleferre | Sicilienne | 1948 | Pastorale from her Ballet “Paris-Magie” | Fl/ob/vl, pf | Musik Fabrik Music Publishing |
Germaine Tailleferre | Trois Danses de “La Nouvelle Cythère” | 1929 | 3 dances from a ballet composed for the Ballets Russes | Fl, pf | Musik Fabrik Music Publishing |
Joan Tower | Flute Concerto | 1989 | Dedicated to Carol Wincenc | Fl, pf | Associated Music Publishers |
Berthe di Vito-Delvaux | Églogue, Op. 51 | 1952 | Fl, pf | Bayard-Nizet | |
Vally Weigl | Oiseau de la vie | 1979 | Writing avoids exaggerated chromaticism & extreme contrasts; revised 2020 edition | Fl/cl | American Composers Alliance |
Grace Williams | Sonatina for Flute and Piano | 1931 | Composer’s style influenced by Ralph Vaughan Williams; PDF available | Fl, pf | Tŷ Cerdd |
Ruth Zechlin | Sonatine | 1955 | If ordering in US via Alfred – printed on demand | Fl, pf | Edition Peters |
Grete von Zieritz | Bokelberger Suite | 1940 | This piece is at 31:50 in playlist video | Fl, pf | Ries & Erler Verlag |
21st Century
The widest variety of flute solos by women composers can be found in our own times – both in terms of the range of compositional styles employed and in the diversity of the women writing these pieces.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of modern flute solos, I’ve tried to give a snapshot of a wide variety of pieces and include composers from all around the world who write music for the Western transverse flute.
Visit my blog for additional resources in contemporary flute music.
21st Century Flute Solos
To view the full playlist, click on the three lines in the top right or the link in the title above the video.
Flute Solos & Transcriptions
Composer | Title | Year | Description/Notes | Instrument- ation | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jean Ahn | Blush | 2019 | Korean composer; extended techniques: mictorones and glissandi | Fl | ArrangeMe |
Jean Ahn | Toys | 2016 | Korean composer; explores themes about motherhood | Fl, pf | ArrangeMe |
Lora Al-Ahmad | Two Skazkas | 2019 | Bulgarian composer; two short, contrasting pieces based on fairy tales | Fl | Theodore Presser |
Claire Allen | Study in Blue | 2013 | Audio recording on publisher’s Soundcloud | Fl | Tetractys Publishing |
Maya Badian | Echoes – Résonances | 1996 | Extended techniques include flutter tongue, glissando, key clicks, and singing while playing | Fl | Canadian Music Centre |
Sarah Bassingthwaighte | Left Behind | 2021 | Left hand only; extended techniques include harmonics and whistle tones; recording on publisher’s Soundcloud | Fl | ALRY Publications |
Diane Berry | Calling | 2013 | For flute and recorded loon calls | Fl, elec | Canadian Music Centre |
Élise Bertrand | Impressions Liturgiques, Op. 2 | b. 2000 | Fl, pf | Éditions Billaudot | |
Nicole Chamberlain | Asphyxia | 2016 | Extended techniques include multiphonics, jet whistles, and pitch bends | Fl | Spotted Rocket |
Dorothy Chang | Flight | 2022 | Chinese-American composer; flute concerto that received a JUNO nomination; recording on Vimeo @Canadian Music Centre BC | Fl, orch | Canadian Music Centre |
Chen Yi | Fisherman’s Song | 1999 | Chinese-American composer; originally for vl + pf; based on the style of Cantonese folk songs; trans. by composer in 2022 | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Chen Yi | The Golden Flute | 1997 | Flute concerto; Chinese-American composer; Chen is family name | Fl, pf/orch | Theodore Presser |
Chen Yi | Memory | 2010 | Chinese-American composer; originally for violin | Fl | Theodore Presser |
Chen Yi | Three Bagatelles from China West | 2005 | Chinese-American composer; duet inspired by Chinese folk music; also arranged for fl and gtr/cl/vcl or 2 fl | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Valerie Coleman | Danza de la Mariposa | 2011 | Black composer | Fl | Theodore Presser |
Valerie Coleman | Fanmi Imèn | 2018 | Haitian creole for “Human Family,” after Maya Angelou’s poem; includes French, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African influences | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Valerie Coleman | Wish | 2015 | Black composer; sonatine | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Reena Esmail | Chardonnay | 2001 | Indian-American composer | Fl | A Piece of Sky Music |
Reena Esmail | Flute Sonata | 2019 | Indian-American composer | Fl, pf | A Piece of Sky Music |
Reena Esmail | Jhula Jhule | 2013 | Indian-American composer; rhapsody on an Indian lullaby; begins at 2:53 in playlist video | Fl, pf | A Piece of Sky Music |
Gabriela Lena Frank | Illapa: Tone Poem for Flute and Orchestra | 2004 | Latina composer | Fl, orch | G Schirmer |
Gabriela Lena Frank | Sueños de Chambi: Snapshots for an Andean Album | 2002 | Latina composer; originally for violin and piano; transcribed by composer | Fl/afl, pf | G Schirmer |
Maria Grenfell | Four Pooh Stories | 1992 | Based on the stories of A.A. Milne | Fl | Centre For New Zealand Music |
Maria Grenfell | Maui Tikitiki a Taranga | 1998 | Concerto in 3 movements; depicts stories of the demigod Maui | Fl, orch | Centre For New Zealand Music |
Jin Hee Han | Nostalgia | b. 1979 | Korean composer; based on Korean folk rhythms and scales; composer is founder of American Women Composers Association | Fl | Contact composer for sheet music |
Jennifer Hankin | 5 Short Thoughts | 2019 | Fl | Syrinx Music | |
Amanda Harberg | Court Dances | 2017 | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser | |
Jennifer Higdon | Autumn Reflection | 1994 | Fl, pf | Lawdon Press | |
Jennifer Higdon | Flute Poetic | 2006 | Fl, pf | Lawdon Press | |
Jennifer Higdon | rapid ◇ fire | 1992 | Extended techniques include flutter tonguing and harmonics | Fl | Lawdon Press |
Katherine Hoover | Medieval Suite | 1996 | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser | |
Melissa Hui | Trace | Chinese-Canadian composer; published in anthology “Eight Visions,” ed. Martin | Fl | Theodore Presser | |
Niloufar Iravani | Departure | 2015 | Iranian composer; flute sonata | Fl, pf | Conners Publications |
Adina Izarra | El Amolador | 1992 | Venezuelan composer | Fl | Latin American Frontiers International Publishers |
Jolin Jiang | Weathered | 2020 | Chinese composer; inspired by water and the ocean | Fl, pf | Self-Published |
Nathalie Joachim | Wander | 2010 | Black composer; for flute, recorded voice, and electronics; whimsical, lighthearted, and playful | Fl, elec | Flutronix Publishing |
Rachel Laurin | Sonate pour flûte et piano, Op. 29 | 1995 | Digital download available from Sheet Music Plus | Fl, pf | Doberman-Yppan |
Tania León | Alma | Cuban-American composer; published in anthology “Eight Visions,” ed. Martin | Fl | Theodore Presser | |
Tania León | del Caribe, Soy! | Cuban-American composer; translation of title: “Caribbean, I am!” | Fl, pf | Peer Music | |
Liza Lim | Bioluminescence | 2019 | Fl | Australian Music Centre | |
Binnette Lipper | Four Glimpses of Night | 1939-2016 | Based on a poem by Frank Marshall Davis | Fl | Hildegard Publishing |
Allison Loggins-Hull | Homeland | 2018 | Black composer; extended techniques: pitch bends, slides, and timbral trills | Fl | Flutronix Publishing |
Allison Loggins-Hull | Pray | 2010 | Black composer; audio recording on Flutronix website | Fl, elec | Flutronix Publishing |
Phyllis Avidan Louke | Spirit of the Stallion | 2013 | Two Native American Landscapes for Flute Alone; dedicated to Charles Littleleaf, Native American flutist & traditional flute maker | Fl | Theodore Presser |
Adriana Isabel Figueroa Mañas | Rhapsodia Andina | b. 1966 | Argentinian composer | Fl/vl, pf | Hildegard Publishing |
Carmen Liliana Marulanda | Guinevere’s Journey | b. 1976 | Columbian composer; combines traditional Colombian music and European Baroque music; Soundcloud demo on publisher’s website | Fl, pf | Liliflute Music |
Cecilia McDowall | The Moon Dances | 2013 | Commissioned by Susan Milan; inspired by poetry of Lorca | Fl, pf | Hunt Edition |
Catherine McMichael | A Cottage Collection | b. 1954 | Trillium, Ros Botham (Rose Cottage) and As She Was | Fl, pf | ALRY Publications |
Angela Morley | Valse Bleue | 2004 | First openly trans woman nominated for an Academy Award | Fl, pf | Novello |
Judy Nishimura | Mood Swings | b. 1953 | Asian-American composer; published in collection “21st Century Masterworks – 11 Pieces for Flute Alone” | Fl | ALRY Publications |
Gabriela Ortiz | Alejandrías Sonoras | 2011 | Mexican composer | Fl | Boosey & Hawkes |
Shulamit Ran | Birds of Paradise | 2014 | Israeli-American composer | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Shulamit Ran | East Wind for Solo Flute | 1987 | Israeli-American composer; extended techniques include pitch bends, key clicks, and percussive ‘spit tongue’ articulations | Fl | Theodore Presser |
Elizabeth Raum | Conversations for Flute and Piano | 1982 | Fl, pf | Canadian Music Centre | |
Eugenie Rocherolle | Sonata No. 1 | 2009 | Dedicated to Jeannie Baxtresser | Fl, pf | Hal Leonard |
Eugenie Rocherolle | Vignette for Flute and Piano | 1978 | Very lyrical and pretty! | Fl, pf | Theodore Presser |
Ali Ryerson | Jazz Dream | 2022 | Commissioned by Claudia Anderson as part of her “Glass Ceilings” project; great for classical flutists who want to learn more about jazz | Fl/afl/bfl | Theodore Presser |
Kaija Saariaho | NoaNoa | 1992 | Info on electronics at http://www.petals.org/Saariaho/Electronics.html | Fl, elec | Chester Music |
Nina Shekhar | Waves for Emma | 2020 | Indian-American composer and flutist | Fl | Self-Published |
Asha Srinivasan | Dancing, Still | 2023 | Indian-American composer; commissioned by the NFA for the 2023 High School Soloist competition; recording at twocomposers.org | Fl | JW Pepper |
Jennifer Stevenson | Sonatina for Flute and Piano | 2022 | Lyrical; in 2 movements | Fl, pf | Tessella Music |
Su Lian Tan | Autumn Lute-Song | 1995 | Malaysian-American composer; arr. Biggs | Fl, pf/orch | Theodore Presser |
Yuko Uebayashi | Le vent à travers les ruines | 1998 | Japanese composer; additional flute solos available at yukouebayashi.com | Fl | Lemoine |
Yuko Uebayashi | Sonate | b. 1958 | Japanese composer; combines French impressionism & Japanese film music | Fl, pf | Alphonse Leduc |
Adriana Verdié | Flute 3.2.4. | 1995 | Argentinian composer; 2-voice polyphony inspired by Argentinian panpipes | Fl | Cayambis Music Press |
Keyna Wilkins | Floating in Space | 2013 | For flute and star sounds; composer has additional flute solos at www.keynawilkins.com | Fl, elec | Wirripang |
Ludmila Yurina | Gemma | 1999 | Ukrainian composer; audio recording on SoundCloud @Ludmila Yurina | Fl | Taukay Edizioni Musicali |
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich | Concerto for Flute and Orchestra | 1989 | Dedicated to Doriot Anthony Dwyer | Fl, pf/orch | Merion Music |
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich | Concerto Elegia | 2014 | Originally for flute + string orchestra | Fl, pf/orch | Theodore Presser |
Next Steps
Whew, you made it! If you just scrolled through that whole list and feel overwhelmed, pause and take a deep breath. Then start with my blog post on alternatives to traditional flute favorites and programming tips for recitals.
If you’re feeling non-committal, don’t have the budget for new music, or need a digital download right away, check out my guide to free flute music by women composers on IMSLP. (There’s actually quite a few great pieces in the public domain!)
And if you’re looking for flute music by women composers that falls outside the scope of this project (such as music for chamber ensembles or a wider variety of modern solos), check out these additional resources. Happy exploring! ♡