Programme Notes

Jonathan Cohen - Tango Molto Basso

Jonathan Cohen - Tango Molto Basso

This tango was written for the opening concert of the first International Low Flute Festival, held in Reston, Virginia, April 2018, and commissioned by Debbie Gilbert.

The low flutes are well suited to the tango's balance of fire and passion on one side and restraint and subtlety on the other. All three octaves of the flutes’ range are used to advantage as they move between sharp staccato, fluttering, and sweeping legato triplets, building to a contra cadenza in the middle, then a quiet playful period, and then to an impassioned finish. Light a fire in your audience with Tango Molto Basso.

Scored for 3 altos, 2 basses, 1 contra. Performance time: 3:30


Press quote:
“Cohen's charming low flute ensemble piece, part of the publisher's International Series, was written for the opening concert of the first International Low Flute Festival in 2018. ‘Tango Molto Basso’ uses all three octaves of the flutes' range to bring out the fire and passion of tango as the music moves between sharp staccato, fluttering, and sweeping legato triplets. The piece culminates in a contrabass cadenza before returning for a playful and impassioned finish. The work is suitable for players of all many levels and is a wonderful addition to flute choir music.” - Flutist Quarterly, Summer 2019


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