Six Pieces by Mel Bonis, arranged for Flute Choir by Dana H. Joras. Born in Paris, France, Mel Bonis taught herself piano until the age of twelve, when her family decided to further her musical studies. At the age of sixteen she became the piano student of César Franck, who also encouraged her early compositions. Frank brought her to the Paris Conservatory to attend composition, harmony, and accompaniment classes. As women were not thought to be suitable to the composition profession, Mélanie gave herself the pseudonym Mel Bonis to avoid any feminine connotation. These Six Pieces are collected from Mel Bonis’ works for solo piano. The pieces do not need to be played in any particular order or even on the same program: Marionettes, Pavane, Gai Printemps, Carillon Mystique, Menuet, and Les Gitanos.

Instrumentation:

• Piccolo
• 4 Flutes
• 2 Alto Flutes
• Bass Flute
• Contrabass Flute