Nestled within the treasure trove of Béla Bartók’s “For Children” collection lies a tender melody woven with love and longing – “Mother, Dear Mother” (No. 31, Sz. 42). This serene piece, originally written for violin, translates beautifully to the flute, offering beginner flutists a chance to explore lyrical expression and delve into the depths of Bartók’s musical language.
The melody stays within a comfortable octave, avoiding awkward finger stretches for smaller hands and the piece focuses on smooth, connected playing, allowing you to develop breath control and phrasing skills.
Play the notes one at a time, starting with C and moving your fingers up and down the flute to follow the melody. Focus on connecting the notes smoothly, creating a legato sound that reflects the lullaby’s tender nature. Pay close attention to the rhythm and ensure even spacing between the notes.
