SALVADOR BROTONS (b.1959): Virtus for Flute, String Trio and Piano. Op. 53, Suite for three for Woodwind Trio, Op. 16bis, Sax-Wind Quintet, Op. 15, Ad Infinitum for Flute, Viola and Harp, Op. 13, for Wind Quintet” Essentiae Vitae, Op. 80, Theme, Variations & Coda, Op. 29, Emphasis, Op. 9.

Description: As a third-generation flautist in the Brotons family, it comes as no surprise that Salvador has composed extensively for chamber wind groups, and especially for the flute. He makes the most of the timbral possibilities of various derivatives of the woodwind quartet in these works, all written in his familiar neo-romantic style. Essentiae vitae presents four independent movements with their own thematic material representing the classical elements, earth, air, water and fire, which are then synthesised to produce Life. Virtus follows a similar scheme with the Platonic virtues, in which a stately Prudence, vigorous Fortitude and reflective Temperance combine to produce Justice. The flute assumes a solo rôle that stands out from the strings and piano ensemble. The Theme, Variations and Coda presents a theme in chords, followed by five variations, each featuring a different instrument of the quintet in a solo rôle, followed by a scampering coda. The early Suite was originally for three flutes, later arranged by the composer for a more standard ensemble. It consists of six short, contrasting movements. The Sax-wind quintet was written at the request of a saxophonist, and assigns a somewhat soloistic role to the alto saxophone in a work full of rich romantic harmony. Ad Infinitum and Emphasis are also early works, written when the composer was 17 and revised more recently. The one shows the influence of French Impressionism, while the other is a neoclassical piece of divertimento character.Artists from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore.