Hasselmans Mazurka Op31 Flt&Pno Denley

This Mazurka, with its characteristic emphasis on the second beat of the bar, consists basically of a rondo theme separated by episodes in (mostly) related keys. When I first heard it, it occurred to me that it would work particularly well for the flute, accompanied by piano (or indeed, harp). The harp's basic key is Cb major, making flat keys more natural for the instrument. The key here is Bb minor which has a warmth well-suited to the flute, although the piece does touch on Db major, F minor and C major, before ending triumphantly in Bb major.

The first performance was given by Philip Tinker in March, 2006.