Happy Tune (Flute and Cello)

Happy Tune (Flute and Cello) By Chen Yi, Published by Theodore Presser.

Chen Yi describes the cheery interplay of HAPPY TUNE as one instrument playing a lively melody, while the other plays a vivid rhythmic pattern as accompaniment. The pair of instruments imitate Chinese folk song singing, as well as the traditional wind instrument sheng, a mouth pipe organ. One of the composer’s favorite themes to develop for different textures, HAPPY TUNE is a variant from Chen Yi’s Three Bagatelles from China West, both versions appearing in several scorings.

Dedicated to Kim Kashkashian and Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu on the 25th anniversary of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.