Richard's prelude / Nigel Butterley for flute and piano

I have always enjoyed accompanying, and from the 1950s the opportunities I had were mainly with singers and flute players. Having written a short quiet piece, Evanston Song, in 1978, I wanted to respond to Christine Draeger's recent invitation with something more animated, which she could introduce to students as well as adding it to her own repertoire.

I have very clear memories of Peter Richardson and Richard Meale playing music by the Italian avant-‐garde, and of their premiere of Richard's own Sonata for flute and piano, in 1960. That event made clear that Australia now had its own 'avant-‐garde.'

'Richard's Prelude' is a reflection on his own music, following his death in September 2009. It is more a duo than a piece with piano accompaniment.

Nigel Butterley
April 2013