Gifts for solo flute

Commissioned by The Juilliard School for The Juilliard School Pre-College

PROGRAM NOTE

Gifts is a work about the joys, challenges, and dedication that comes with being young and passionate about a talent. A young talent is seen as exceptional and hard-working. For this person, amazing opportunities can present themselves and the potential for growth seems boundless. At times though, being dedicated to a talent can be difficult, as choices between work or spending time with family, friends, or engaging in “normal” youthful activities often have to be made. Over time it becomes understood that making these choices is a part of the process, and although challenging at times, they contribute to the achievement of success.

In composing Gifts, I was greatly influenced by the story of my friend, flutist Jasmine Choi. I once had a conversation with her where she spoke about leaving her hometown at 12 years old to focus on music, and then she left her country for the United States at age 16. For a 12 year-old to choose to leave home in pursuit of their craft, is truly extraordinary. Jasmine exhibited bravery and dedication at such a young age, and now she is one of the most celebrated flutists in the history of the instrument, bringing joy to thousands across the globe. Hers is a story that is truly moving and inspiring.

The opening of Gifts is embellished material from a Korean child folk song, “Pongdang, Pongdang,” symbolizing youth and time with family and friends. This is followed by a faster and quieter section with harmonics, representing an inner voice serving as a reminder of work to be done. Because of this, there is not much time for loved ones, even though that time is greatly desired and missed. Next there is a groovy section, where confidence builds due to all of the invested work. There’s a moment of nostalgia, as if to remember all that was missed out on, but finally, the piece ends strong and virtuosically, illustrative of success and achievement.

Gifts was commissioned by The Juilliard School and used for flute auditionees for their pre-college division in 2021. With that said, I wanted to create a piece that might serve as an introduction to some extended techniques for an advanced young student, but also gave a nod to familiar standard rep.

— Allison Loggins-Hull

PERFORMANCE NOTE

Solid diamond noteheads indicate pitched air sounds.

The air sounds, also known as aeolian sounds, are produced by moving the lips and jaw forward so the air is blown directly across the tone hole — very similar to blowing a candle out. There is little tone production, and the effect sounds similar to a gust of wind. While blowing this way, finger the notes indicated as usual.

The hollow diamond noteheads indicate harmonics. Finger the lower note (with the hollow diamond notehead), but blow and direct the air to produce the regularly notated note above.

The hairpin with a circle at the point means to diminuendo into silence, let the sound disappear.