Music by
DANIEL DORFF
 
Nocturne Caprice for solo Flute
Duration: c. 7½'

DETAILS
COMMISSIONED and PREMIERED by Mimi Stillman, Philadelphia; November 2002.
1ST PRIZE ("Best of Show"), 2003 Paul Revere Music Engraving Awards from the Music Publishers Association of the USA.
RECORDED on the Dolce Suono label by Mimi Stillman.

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PROGRAM NOTES
From the first time I heard the Mimi Stillman perform while still in her teens, I knew this was a musician I had to compose for, and hearing Mimi's transcription of my It Takes Four to Tango in July 2002 made me quite eager for the opportunity. In October 2002 Mimi asked if I had any unaccompanied flute music to perform on an all-unaccompanied recital on November 2, and despite the short lead time, I jumped at the chance to compose a new piece within the next few weeks.

Nocturne Caprice is a poetic rondo; the dark and gentle main theme is a departure point for more brilliant episodes, with lyrical writing in the low register as well as sunny passagework.

Nocturne Caprice is included on Mimi Stillman's first CD.

REVIEWS
 "Daniel Dorff wrote his Nocturne Caprice expressly for this event, and an express composition it was, with about three weeks separating the commission and the premiere. It is an admirable addition to the repertoire, structured in a circular manner, as inspired by Chopin Nocturnes. Dorff encompasses a number of stylistic gestures, starting with a bluesy motif that morphs into whole-tone rows and flashy arpeggios, before settling back into a sweet repose. The elements are well integrated and are set out with calm pacing. Stillman rendered the music with utter confidence and palpable expressiveness." 
            – Philadelphia City Paper (Peter Burwasser), November 6, 2002


 

last updated May 25, 2026
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