Free Flute Sheet Music

Tune of the Day: Grave by Handel

“Grave” is an Italian adjective which could mean “heavy”, or “severe”; when used as a tempo indication, it directs to play at an extremely slow and solemn pace.

This particular movement is the first of Handel's Sonata in E minor for flute, Op. 1, No. 1b. This work should not be confused with the other flute sonata E minor, No. 1a, which is actually a compilation of Handel's favorite movements from his sonatas. The sonata we are presenting today, instead, was originally written in D minor for the violin, and subsequently transcribed by the composer himself for the Baroque flute.

The rhythm of this piece may look a bit complex at first glance; you must remember, however, that this is meant to be played very slowly. After having listened to the recording, you will see that it is not that difficult after all.

Tune of the Day: Jerry Houlihan

This slip jig is taken from Francis O'Neill's collection Music of Ireland, published in Chicago in 1903. According to Breandán Breathnach's Folk Music and Dances of Ireland (1971), “Jerry Houlihan” belongs to a cycle of tunes originating in the 17th century, or possibly even earlier.

Tune of the Day: Study in B minor by Gariboldi

Today we present the eighth study from Italian composer Giuseppe Gariboldi's Etudes mignonnes (Dainty Studies), Op. 131.

Tune of the Day: Cantabile by Telemann

This is the central movement from Georg Philipp Telemann's fifth Canonic Sonata for two flutes. As with all of these sonatas, the two players play the exact same melody, but one (as in this case) or more measures apart.

Tune of the Day: Fantasia for Solo Flute No. 7

Telemann's seventh Fantasia for solo flute is in the majestic key of D major. The opening movement, rightly marked “Alla Francese”, has the attitude of a French overture, and sports a series of regal dotted rhythms, which are usually played in a very incisive manner. A rondeau in 3/8 time follows, which culminates in a repetition of the initial rhythmic pattern. A ternary-form Presto closes this Fantasia in worthy manner, reverting back to 4/4 time and introducing a very fast, brilliant final theme.

Tune of the Day: Goober Peas

This traditional folk song probably originated in the Southern United States. It was popular with Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, has been recorded by many artists over the years, and is still frequently sung in the South to this day.

The lyrics of “Goober Peas” are a description of daily life during the latter part of the Civil War for Southerners. After being cut off from the rail lines and their farm land, they had little to eat aside from boiled peanuts (or “goober peas”) which often served as an emergency ration. Peanuts were also known as pindars and goobers.

The earliest sheet music for the song was published in New Orleans in 1866 by A. E. Blackmar, who humorously lists A. Pindar as the lyricist and P. Nutt as the composer.

Tune of the Day: Study in A major by Kummer

This is the ninth study from German flutist and composer Caspar Kummer's 32 Etudes amusantes et instructives, Op. 129, first published in 1858.