Contemporary flute repertoire refers to music written for the flute in the modern era. This encompasses a broad range of styles, including avant-garde, experimental, and minimalist. While some contemporary flute music still adheres to traditional forms, many pieces have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument.
Contemporary flute music often incorporates extended techniques, such as multiphonics, microtonal intervals, and percussive effects. These techniques allow composers to create new and unique sounds that were previously impossible on the flute. Below is a contemporary flute repertoire list:
| Title | Composer | Instruments |
| Danza del villano from La princesa de la media luna | P. Toribio Gil | 2 Flutes & Piano |
| Rivera from La princesa de la media luna | P. Toribio Gil | 2 Flutes & Piano |
| Planxty Mary Ellen | A. E. McKennon | Flute & Chords |
| Alpiglen | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Cregneash | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Ravello | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Rough Diamond Rag | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Simple Song | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| The Road to Aultbea | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Trio in A | P. Pope | Flute & Guitar |
| Adieu Op. 71, No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Allegretto Op. 11, No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Allegretto Op. 7 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Allegro vivace from Sonata per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 9 p. 3 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Andante Op. 4 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Andante Op. 12 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Andante grazioso from Sonata per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 9 p. 1 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Andantino Op. 5 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Ballade Op. 66 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Beautiful Dawn | R. Williams | Flute & Piano |
| Considérations Op. 69, No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Fantaisie Op. 40 No. 4 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Gigue from Suite per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 78 No. 6 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Gymnopédie Op. 72 No. 3 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Largo from Sonata per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 9 p. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Lindance | S.J. Barathi | Flute & Piano |
| Lumière Op. 77 No. 4 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Montagnarde Op. 61 No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Pledge Op. 65, No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Prélude from Suite per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 78 No. 4 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Proximité Op. 56 No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Rengaine Op. 45 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Romance Op. 44 No. 2 p. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Sarabande from Suite per flauto e pianoforte, Op. 78 No. 5 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Siciliano Op. 13 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Sonatinine Op. 44 No. 2 p. 1 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| Song4You Op. 63, No. 1 | P. Merkus | Flute & Piano |
| An English Fair Op. 70 | L.A. Birch | Flute duet |
| Fall Of A Star | S. Kontolatis | Flute duet |
| Serenity | R. Tripp | Flute duet |
| Song for an Anise Swallowtail | H. Jones | Flute duet |
| Variations on “Non più mesta” | C. Cristaldi | Flute duet |
| Trilogette Op. 35, No. 3 | P. Merkus | Flute quartet |
| À part | J.M. Harrington | Flute solo |
| And Yet It Moves | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Ànemos | C. Cristaldi | Flute solo |
| Angus Grant’s Soda Bread | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Arpeggio | C. Cristaldi | Flute solo |
| Ashokan Farewell | J. Ungar | Flute solo |
| Barrathon Barndance | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Ben Heaval | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Break in Borve | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Camuskellaig | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Catherine Lillian’s New Pipe | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Conchobar Mac An Bhàird | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Devyn Jansen’s | R. Wills | Flute solo |
| Dòmhnall Ryan and Jenna, Vatersay | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Fairy-Wren | R. Williams | Flute solo |
| Gilleonan MacNeil, Ciosmul | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Hibernation Blues from Quarantunes | R. Lombardo | Flute solo |
| Home from Quarantunes | R. Lombardo | Flute solo |
| Jean’s Dancing Shoes | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Johnny Campbell, Brisbane | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| La flûte élastique | C. Cristaldi | Flute solo |
| MacPherson’s Lantern | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Martin Martin | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Mìcheal Forbes MacNeil, Eoligarry | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Monologue I Op. 48, No. 1 | P. Merkus | Flute solo |
| Monologue II Op. 48, No. 2 | P. Merkus | Flute solo |
| Monologue III Op. 48, No. 3 | P. Merkus | Flute solo |
| Murach Albannach | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| My Apologies | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Nannie Pheter | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Our Boat “Iorram” | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Over the Sea to Skype | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Pastorale | J.M. Harrington | Flute solo |
| Pelican | R. Williams | Flute solo |
| Picasso’s Dancers | P. Pope | Flute solo |
| Port Beag do Shaeonaidh Beag | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Prelude from A Night to Remember, Op. 57 | L.A. Birch | Flute solo |
| Reflexes | C. Cristaldi | Flute solo |
| Solo for Flute No. 2 | C. Wind | Flute solo |
| Song for an Anise Swallowtail | H. Jones | Flute solo |
| Static | P. Sudhakaran | Flute solo |
| Steppin’ Out from Quarantunes | R. Lombardo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 13 from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 14 in C major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 15 in C major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 16 in C major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 4 in G major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 5 in F major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 7 in G major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Study No. 9 in C major from 17 Studies for Flute, N. 1 | N. Mascolo | Flute solo |
| Swallow | R. Williams | Flute solo |
| Taigh nan Ròs | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Award-winning Hangover | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Awesome Glenuigs | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Bronze Card | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The City of Pride | P. Sudhakaran | Flute solo |
| The Clan MacKellaig | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Dunniewassel | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Earthrise Photograph | H. Jones | Flute solo |
| The Moss Road | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Oldest Swinger in Castlebay City | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| The Pale Blue Dot | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Thomas Aikenhead | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Trip to Hiort | R. Campbell | Flute solo |
| Canon in E minor Op. 81, No. 1 | P. Merkus | Flute trio |
| Monkeys Spinning Monkeys | K. MacLeod | Flute trio |
| Ricercare n. 2 | C. Cristaldi | Flute trio |
History of Contemporary Flute Repertoire
The origins of contemporary flute repertoire can be traced back to the early 20th century, when composers began experimenting with new styles and techniques. One of the earliest examples of contemporary flute music is Claude Debussy’s “Syrinx,” a solo flute piece written in 1913. This piece is considered a landmark in the development of modern flute repertoire.
During the mid-20th century, composers such as Edgar Varèse, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Luciano Berio continued to push the boundaries of contemporary flute music. Their compositions incorporated electronic music and extended techniques, paving the way for future generations of composers.
Contemporary Flute Repertoire Today
Today, contemporary flute music continues to flourish, with a wide range of composers and performers exploring new and innovative ways to create music. Some of the most prominent composers of contemporary flute music include Kaija Saariaho, Toshio Hosokawa, and Jennifer Higdon.
Contemporary flute music has also influenced other genres, such as jazz and popular music. Flute players like Herbie Mann and Ian Anderson have incorporated elements of contemporary flute music into their own compositions, creating a unique fusion of styles.
Conclusion
Contemporary flute repertoire is a vibrant and exciting genre that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with the flute. Its history is rich and varied, with many composers and performers contributing to its development. As the classical music world evolves, contemporary flute music will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its future.
If you are interested in exploring contemporary flute repertoire further, we recommend listening to recordings by some of the composers mentioned in this article. You can also attend concerts and performances by contemporary flute players to experience this exciting genre firsthand.
