Henri Tomasi

Sonatine

French composer and conductor, Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published Sonatine for solo Flute in 1949. As with his other wind compositions,  Sonatine was well-receivedby audiences.

Tomasi was born in Marseille, but his Father and Mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured into musical studies by his parents, Tomasi dreamed ofbecoming a sailor, and during the summer, he stayed with his Grandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However, in 1921, he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become a highprofilecomposer and conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsican routes, often incorporating themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his Grandmother in to hiscompositions.  Sonatine for solo Flute is a highly unusual, complex and modern work in three movements; 1) Prelude and Scherzo, 2) Pastorale, and 3) Finale. This Tomasi piece is suitable toadvanced flautsits, providing an exciting, alternative addition to the instrument's repertoire.