SIX REFLECTIONS of 'LA BELLE ET LA BÊTE'

flute and piano

(1985)

14'

A homage to Jean Cocteau's 1945 film, these six pieces (five miniatures and an extended passacaglia finale) were inspired by the all pervasive mirror imagery in the film, both in the way the material is used, and in musical onomatopoeia. The opening gesture is a shattering effect, which returns towards the end before a triumphant apotheosis. 

An orchestral version was made in 1987 and withdrawn, a new version was made in 2010

First performed 17 October 1985 at a Worshipful Company of Musicians Maisie Lewis Young Artists Fund concert  by Shaun Sellings and Christopher Ross at the Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, London SE1

Orchestration (2010): 02+2+2/2200/4 percussion/timp/harp/celesta/strings