Suite for Flute and Piano

Suite for Flute and Piano was commissioned by flutist Carl Gutowski to honor the over two decades of service that my mother, Laura Russell, provided as the Music Director at Christ Episcopal Church, Poughkeepsie, NY. It was premiered on April 24th, 2022 as part of a church service honoring Laura’s service before her retirement in June.

The piece is intended to function either as music for a church service–with its Prelude, Antiphon, and Postlude–or as an independent concert piece. The first movement (“Prelude”) is impassioned and a bit sorrowful, representing the sadness of Laura moving on from her music ministry work, and the church’s sadness at seeing her go. It is also dedicated to the memory of Laura’s late husband (and my stepfather), Paul Frazer, who was such an integral part of Laura’s life, of the life of Christ Church, and of music in the Poughkeepsie area generally.

The second movement (“Antiphon/Meditation”) is gentle and contemplative, representing the comfort and support that Laura found in and gave to the Christ Church community.

The third movement (“Postlude”) is rhythmic and spritely, representing the exciting new opportunities awaiting Laura post-retirement.