Flute concertos are an essential part of the flute repertoire, providing flutists with an opportunity to showcase their technical and musical abilities. From classical to contemporary pieces, the flute concerto repertoire offers a vast range of styles and genres, providing something for every flutist to explore.
Flute concerto repertoire list
Below is a flute concerto repertoire list, their era of composition, and their composers;
| Title | Composer | Era of composition |
| 4 concertos for flute and strings | Frederick the Great | Classical |
| And then there was the sun in the sky, concerto for flute, didgeridoo, and flute orchestra (2000) | Sophie Lacaze | Modern |
| Chamber Concerto for Flute and 10 Players | Charles Wuorinen | Contemporary |
| Concert à quatre (“Quadruple concerto”), for piano, flute, oboe, cello and orchestra (1990–91) | Olivier Messiaen | 20th century |
| Concert-Fantasie Op.382 | Popp Wilhelm | Romantic |
| Concert-Fantasie Op.455 | Popp Wilhelm | Romantic |
| Concert-Fantasie über ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ Op.73 | Köhler Ernesto | Romantic |
| Concertino da camera for Flute and Strings (1777) | Antonio Salieri | Classical |
| Concertino for Flute, Strings and Percussion (1945) | Peter Mennin | 20th century |
| Concertino pour flûte, Op.107 | Chaminade Cécile | Romantic |
| Concerto (1949) | André Jolivet | 20th century |
| Concerto Elegia for Flute and Strings (2015) | Ellen Taaffe Zwilich | Contemporary |
| Concerto for 2 Flutes (2003) | Emil Tabakov | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute & Chamber Orchestra (1976) | Josef Tal | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and Chamber Orchestra | Eric Ewazen | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Harp | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Classical |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra | Jeff Manookian | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra | John Williams | Contemporary |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra | Ellen Taaffe Zwilich | Contemporary |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra – an arrangement of his Violin Concerto in D minor | Aram Khachaturian | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1781) | Josef Reicha | Classical |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1971) | Walter Piston | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1977) | Samuel Adler | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1977) | Andrew ImBaroqueie | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1983) | Peter Mennin | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (2012) | Geoffrey Gordon | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (2013) | Behzad Ranjbaran | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra Op.39 (1992) | Lowell Liebermann | Modern |
| Concerto for flute and orchestra, Catacombs (1999–2000) | Chris Harman | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 8 | Otar Gordeli | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra: Phoenix Con… | John Carmichael | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Orchestra: Pied Piper … | John Corigliano | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra (Shadows V) | Robert Aitken | Modern |
| Concerto for flute and string orchestra Galim… | Pascal Dusapin | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra op.1 | Gordon Jacob | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra op.2 | Gordon Jacob | 20th century |
| Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra. On the Back of a Nightingale, Op. 31 (2012) | Jorge Grundman | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Strings | Sir Malcolm Arnold | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute and Strings | Rutland Boughton | Modern |
| Concerto for flute solo with flute orchestra Ghosts & Gargoyles | Henry Baroqueant | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra Op.48 (1995) | Lowell Liebermann | Modern |
| Concerto for Flute, Oboe and Orchestra (1774) | Antonio Salieri | Classical |
| Concerto for Flute, Strings, and Percussion (Pulitzer Prize winner 1999) | Melinda Wagner | Contemporary |
| Concerto for Two Flutes in G Major (1783) | Domenico Cimarosa | Classical |
| Concerto in A minor | Michel Blavet | Baroque |
| Concerto in A minor | Franz Benda | Classical |
| Concerto in A minor for Flute, RV 440 | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in C major for 2 Flutes, RV 533 | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in C major, Op. 7, No. 3 | Jean-Marie Leclair | Baroque |
| Concerto in C minor | Johann Joachim Quantz | Baroque |
| Concerto in D major | Saverio Mercadante | Romantic |
| Concerto in D major for Flute (Il Gardellino), RV 428 (Op. 10 No. 3) | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in D major for Flute, RV 429 | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in D minor for Flute and Orchestra | Bernhard Molique | Classical |
| Concerto in D minor for two flutes and orchestra | Franz Doppler | Romantic |
| Concerto in E major | Saverio Mercadante | Romantic |
| Concerto in E minor | Saverio Mercadante | Romantic |
| Concerto in F major (2 movements) | Saverio Mercadante | Romantic |
| Concerto in F major for Flute (La Tempesta di Mare), RV 433 (Op. 10, No. 1), RV 98 and RV 570 | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in F major for Flute, RV 434 (Op. 10, No. 5) | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in G major | Johann Joachim Quantz | Baroque |
| Concerto in G major | Christoph Willibald Gluck | Classical |
| Concerto in G major | Carl Stamitz | Classical |
| Concerto in G major for Flute, RV 435 (Op. 10, No. 4) | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in G major for Flute, RV 437 (Op. 10, No. 6) | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto in G minor | Franz Benda | Classical |
| Concerto in G minor for Flute (La Notte), RV 439 (Op. 10, No. 2) | Antonio Vivaldi | Baroque |
| Concerto No. 1 in G major | Franz Danzi | Classical |
| Concerto No. 10 in D major | François Devienne | Classical |
| Concerto No. 2 in D major | François Devienne | Classical |
| Concerto No. 2 in D minor | Franz Danzi | Classical |
| Concerto No. 3 in D minor | Franz Danzi | Classical |
| Concerto No. 3 in G major | François Devienne | Classical |
| Concerto No. 4 in D major | Franz Danzi | Classical |
| Concerto No. 7 in E minor | François Devienne | Classical |
| Concerto pour flûte | Jacques Hétu | 20th century |
| Concerts royaux | François Couperin | Baroque |
| Concierto pastoral, for flute and orchestra (1978) | Joaquín Rodrigo | 20th century |
| Double Concerto for Flute, Clarinet and Orchestra | Jean Françaix | Modern |
| Double Concerto, for flute, oboe and orchestra | György Ligeti | 20th century |
| Fantaisie concertante Op.36 | Jules Demersseman | Romantic |
| Fantaisie de concert sur ‘Les Huguenots’ Op.14 | Luigi Hugues | Romantic |
| Fantaisie de concert, Op.1 | Edmond Sténosse | Romantic |
| Flute and Orchestra | Morton Feldman | Modern |
| Flute Concertino in D major, Op. 107 | Cécile Chaminade | Romantic |
| Flute Concerto | Andreas Romberg | Classical |
| Flute Concerto | Kalevi Aho | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Aaron Avshalomov | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Edison Denisov | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Jindřich Feld | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Harald Genzmer | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Sofia Gubaidulina | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Peter Paul Koprowski | Modern |
| Flute Concerto | Huw Watkins | Contemporary |
| Flute Concerto | Herbert Willi | Contemporary |
| Flute Concerto | Isang Yun | 20th Century |
| Flute Concerto (1926) | Carl Nielsen | Early 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1934) | Jacques Ibert | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1967) | Jean Françaix | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (1984) | R. Murray Schafer | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1989) | Joan Tower | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1992) | Krzysztof Penderecki | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1993) | Christopher Rouse | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (1993) | Alexander Shchetynsky | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto (2000) | Leonardo Balada | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (2002) | Ned Rorem | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (2006) | Marc-André Dalbavie | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (2008) | Elliott Carter | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (2011) | Eric Sessler | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (2015) | Aaron Jay Kernis | Modern |
| Flute Concerto (Symphonic Tale) | Peter Benoit | Romantic |
| Flute Concerto Aile du songe (2001) | Kaija Saariaho | Modern |
| Flute Concerto D major | Franz Anton Hoffmeister | Classical |
| Flute Concerto Dances with the Winds | Einojuhani Rautavaara | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto Harlekiini, Op. 70 (1995) | Aulis Sallinen | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto in A major H.438 (Wq.168) | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in A minor | Michel Blavet | Baroque |
| Flute concerto in A minor Wq.166 | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute concerto in B flat major Wq 167 | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in B minor | François-Joseph Fétis | Romantic |
| Flute Concerto in C major | Antonio Rosetti | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D major | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D major | Leopold Hofmann | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D Major (Boccherini, Op. 27) | František Xaver Pokorný | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D major (lost) | Joseph Haydn | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D minor | Franz Lachner | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in D minor H.426 | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in F major | Antonio Rosetti | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in F minor | Ferdinand Büchner | Romantic |
| Flute Concerto in G major | Giovanni Battista Pergolesi | Baroque |
| Flute Concerto in G major | Leopold Mozart | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in G major | Antonio Rosetti | Classical |
| Flute Concerto in G major H.445 (Wq.169) | C.P.E. Bach | Classical |
| Flute Concerto No. 1 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Classical |
| Flute Concerto No. 1 (1975–6) | Vagn Holmboe | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto No. 1 in D minor | Peter Winter | Classical |
| Flute Concerto No. 1, op. 75 (1961) | Mieczysław Weinberg | 20th Century |
| Flute Concerto No. 2 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Classical |
| Flute Concerto No. 2 | Sir Malcolm Arnold | Modern |
| Flute Concerto No. 2 (1981–2) | Vagn Holmboe | 20th century |
| Flute Concerto No. 2 in D minor | Peter Winter | Classical |
| Flute Concerto No. 2, op. 148 (1987) | Mieczysław Weinberg | 20th Century |
| Flute Concerto No.1 Op.70 | Flint Juventino Beppe | Modern |
| Flute Concerto No.2 Op.80 | Flint Juventino Beppe | Modern |
| Flute Concerto Op.86 | Franz Krommer | Classical |
| Flute Concerto Trail Of Tears (2010) | Michael Daugherty | Modern |
| Les quatre elements, concerto for flute, children choir and percussions (2005) | Sophie Lacaze | Modern |
| Music for Flute, Strings, and Percussion – Flute Concerto | Sofia Gubaidulina | Modern |
| Nocturne and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra | Arthur Foote | Modern |
| Nocturne et allegro scherzando | Philippe Gaubert | Romantic |
| Offenbach-Revue | Necke Hermann | Romantic |
| Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV 1067 | Bach Johann Sebastian | Baroque |
| Poem for Flute and Orchestra (1918) | Charles T. Griffes | 20th century |
| Poem for Flute and Orchestra, A.93 | Charles Tomlinson Griffes | 20th century |
| Renaissance Concerto for Flute and Orchestra | Lukas Foss | Modern |
| Slow Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra. A Promise to Frida, Op. 84 (2021) | Jorge Grundman | Modern |
| Solo de Concert No.6, Op.82 | Jules Demersseman | Romantic |
What is a flute concerto?
A flute concerto is a musical composition that features a solo flute accompanied by an orchestra. Typically, the concerto is structured into more than one movement, with the first and last movements being faster and more energetic, while the second movement is slower and more introspective.
The flute concerto has a long history, dating back to the Baroque era when composers like Bach and Vivaldi wrote concertos for the instrument. Over time, the concerto form evolved and expanded, with composers from different eras and styles adding their own unique contributions to the repertoire.
See also: Bird flute repertoire
Classic Flute Concertos
The Baroque and Classical eras of music are well-known for their masterful compositions, and the flute concerto repertoire is no exception. Some of the most popular and well-known flute concertos come from this period, showcasing the technical abilities of the flute and the artistry of the composers who wrote for it.
One of the most famous flute concertos of all time is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Concerto in G Major, K. 313. This concerto is a staple in the flute repertoire and is often one of the first pieces that flutists learn. It consists of three movements: an Allegro maestoso, an Adagio non troppo, and a Rondo: Tempo di Menuetto. The first movement is characterized by its lively and playful melody, while the second movement is a beautiful and lyrical adagio that showcases the expressiveness of the flute. The third movement is a lively and joyful rondo that features virtuosic runs and trills.
Another popular flute concerto from the Classical era is Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Concerto in D Minor, Wq. 22. This concerto is a prime example of the expressive capabilities of the flute, with its slow and mournful opening movement that gradually builds in intensity. The second movement is a lively and playful allegro, while the final movement is a virtuosic and energetic presto.
Other notable flute concertos from the Baroque and Classical eras include Antonio Vivaldi’s Il Gardellino, Georg Philipp Telemann’s Suite in A Minor for Flute and Strings, and Franz Joseph Haydn’s Concerto in D Major, Hob.VIIg: D1.
Overall, the flute concertos from the Baroque and Classical eras are some of the most beloved and enduring pieces in the flute repertoire. With their technical challenges, expressive melodies, and rich histories, they continue to captivate audiences and inspire flutists to this day.
Romantic Flute Concertos
The Romantic era of music brought about a new wave of emotional and expressive compositions, and the flute concerto repertoire is no exception. Many of the most beautiful and romantic flute concertos were written during this time, featuring lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and virtuosic solo passages.
One such concerto is Gabriel Fauré’s Fantaisie for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 79. Written in 1898, this piece is a stunning example of Fauré’s unique harmonic language and lyrical style. The piece is characterized by its dreamy and ethereal quality, with the flute weaving in and out of the lush orchestral accompaniment. The middle section features a gorgeous cadenza for the flute, showcasing the technical prowess of the soloist.
Another notable Romantic flute concerto is Carl Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 283. Written in 1908, this concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with fast and flashy passages throughout. The first movement features a soaring melody that is reminiscent of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, while the second movement is a slow and lyrical interlude. The final movement is a lively and joyful romp that highlights the technical abilities of the flute.
Modern and Contemporary Flute Concertos
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a wealth of new compositions for the flute, including many innovative and boundary-pushing concertos. These pieces draw on a wide range of musical styles and techniques, from avant-garde experimentalism to more traditional forms and structures.
One such modern concerto is the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Christopher Rouse. This piece, written in 1993, is a stunning showcase for the virtuosic capabilities of the flute. The first movement is fast and energetic, with the soloist navigating complex rhythmic patterns and intricate runs. The second movement is slower and more introspective, with the flute weaving in and out of a delicate orchestral texture. The final movement is a tour-de-force of technical prowess, featuring fast and intricate passages that build to a thrilling climax.
Another notable contemporary flute concerto is the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Jennifer Higdon. This piece, written in 2007, is a virtuosic and expressive work that draws on a wide range of musical styles and influences. The first movement features a lively and rhythmic opening section that gives way to a more lyrical middle section. The second movement is a hauntingly beautiful adagio that showcases the expressive capabilities of the flute. The final movement is a joyful and energetic romp that features complex rhythmic patterns and virtuosic runs.
Other notable modern and contemporary flute concertos include the Flute Concerto by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, the Flute Concerto by Lowell Liebermann, and the Flute Concerto by Kaija Saariaho.
Overall, the modern and contemporary flute concertos offer a wealth of innovative and expressive music that pushes the boundaries of what the flute is capable of. With their intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and virtuosic solo passages, they continue to inspire and challenge flutists to this day.
Conclusion
The flute concerto repertoire is a rich and diverse collection of music that spans centuries and styles. From the classic works of Mozart and Bach to the innovative and experimental compositions of the 21st century, there is something for every flutist to discover and explore.
Whether you are looking for a lyrical and expressive piece or a fast and virtuosic showcase, the flute concerto repertoire has it all. By exploring the works of different composers and different eras, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of music, as well as develop your own unique style and voice as a performer.
So if you are a flutist looking to expand your repertoire and challenge yourself as a musician, look no further than the rich and diverse world of flute concertos. With their beautiful melodies, intricate harmonies, and virtuosic solo passages, they are sure to captivate and inspire you for years to come.
