Piccolo
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
20th century
21st century
Solo repertoire
Piccolo
Alto flute
Bass flute
Mower Mike
Adler, Samuel
Andersen, Joachim
Auric, Georges
Baksa, Andreas
Beaser, Robert
Benshoof, Ken
Boisson, Felix
Bonnisseau, Frédéric
Chamberlain, Nicole
Damase, Jean-Michel
Daugherty, Michael
Dehnhard, Tilmann
Donatoni, Franco
Dorff, Daniel
Harberg, Amanda
Huylebroeck, Jan
Jacob, Gordon
Janáček, Leoš
Koechlin, Charles
Krek, Uroš
Lavista, Mario
Liebermann, Lowell
Loeb, David
Mălăncioiu, Gabriel
Martinů, Bohuslav
Meltzer, Harold
Morlacchi, Pietro
Mower, Mike
Musgrave, Thea
Papandopulo, Boris
Persichetti, Vincent
Poulenc, Francis
Reichert, Matthieu Andre
Rotaru, Doina
Schocker, Gary
Silva, Pattápio
Smith, Matt
Vivaldi, Antonio
Wilder, Alec
Yun, Isang
Piccolo sonata
Mike Mower: Piccolo sonata was written in 2002. The work was a commissioned piece and premiered at the 2002 National Flute Association (NFA) Convention in Washington, D.C.
Mower was commissioned to write a piece that would showcase the full potential of the piccolo, an instrument he felt was often underestimated or only used for its loud, high register.
The sonata incorporates significant jazz elements, which are characteristic of Mower's style as a jazz flautist and composer.
The three movements of Mike Mower's
Sonata for Piccolo and Piano does not have formal descriptive names but rather tempo and character markings:
1. Lively
2. Gently
3. Fiery
These names reflect the intended mood and character of each section and highlight the technical and expressive range of the piccolo, from the "charming woody tones" of the lower register in the second movement to the more "commanding" and agile qualities of the outer movements, often incorporating his signature jazz and Latin-inspired rhythms.
Mower Mike
Mike Mower (1958) is a highly versatile and internationally renowned British composer, flautist, saxophonist, and clarinetist, known for his unique ability to bridge the gap between classical and jazz music.
Born in Bath, UK, Mower originally studied classical flute at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. After his formal training, he diversified his skills to include saxophone and clarinet, immersing himself in a wide range of musical styles from jazz and rock to classical ensembles and West End shows.
Mower's career is defined by his dual roles as a performer and composer. He is the founder and leader of the acclaimed jazz saxophone quartet, "Itchy Fingers", which has performed in over 40 countries and won numerous international awards.
Mower is a prolific and self-taught composer whose works are celebrated for being challenging yet tuneful, integrating complex rhythms and wide leaps with accessible melodic material. His music is published globally and frequently appears on music examination syllabi. He has received commissions from a wide range of ensembles, including the BBC Big Band, the NDR Radio Big Band, and various wind ensembles.
Mike has produced two albums for James Galway using his compositions and arrangements: “Unbreak My Heart” and “Tango Del Fuego”.