Classical Caber: “Sonata for Flute and Piano”
Like any artist, Dirk’s style has changed over time as his skills have grown and matured. The pieces I’ve posted so far have been some of Dirk’s older works; his rag, for example, dates back to when he was 16, and the Mount Desert Island Suite is already about 12 years old. In fact, just last week Dirk asked me why I was posting his older stuff. “I want people to hear what my style sounds like now,” he explained. With that in mind, I’m happy to share with you the 4th movement of his Sonata for Flute and Piano, completed in 2011. Here is Dirk’s take on piece:
The Sonata for Flute and Piano started off as sketches for a much smaller, simpler piece I wanted to be able to play with my boyfriend at the time, who played flute. Those first notes, written in spring of 2003, are still there, now the beginning of the third movement of four. This piece has one of the longest gestations of anything I’ve written, started in 2003 and not finished until 2011. In that time it completely changed in scope and difficulty, now well over twenty minutes long and challenging to even expert flautists and pianists. The second movement in particular is one of the thorniest thickets I’ve ever asked two musicians to machete their way through. This fourth movement was meant as the foil for all the angst that precedes it. More playful and lighthearted, it ends a rather turbulent piece with a little smile.”Perhaps down the road I’ll post the other three movements of the Sonata, or Dirk might even release it on iTunes. (I’m happy to say we’re making some good progress with getting that set up.) But for now, please enjoy the 4th movement. Dirk and I hope it puts a little smile on your face too! 
Dirk at his parents’ piano, Thanksgiving 2013
A fine composition. I really like it and hope to hear the other movements. I’ll be listening to this again soon. Have you written any compositions for Alto Recorder? Recorder players need excellent compositions.
GREAT SOUND!!
I’ve listened to all the work of Dirk and I love them all.
Such a great talent – please keep going on to release the musik pieces on itunes I will buy them!!
If Dirk will ever play a concert near my home I will come and listen!!
Kisses
Christian
Really beautiful talent!
^_^
Wow. I’ve never really given classical music a chance growing up mostly on massachusetts hardcore (punk not porn) but its great to get lost in these pieces you put up. This is some next level shit.
Delightful music and music making. And a fine sounding recording. I hope Dirk soon gets a chance to pursue and use his impressive musical talents.
Thank you so much for sharing this , Jesse.
Dirk is talented at so many things. I love listening to these pieces you post. Hope you are successful getting it out on ITunes.
There is a playfulness as well as an intensity in this that delights the senses. I’d be very surprise if the composer doesn’t move to scoring the soundtracks for some film work. He is definitely a Jack of All Trades and a true Renaissance Man.
Reminds me a lot of Rampal and Ludwig!! Very cool!