10 Best Flute Concertos of All Time

Are you a flute enthusiast? If the answer is yes then you’re in the right place! Below are our favorite flute concertos of all time. We hope that you enjoy them, too!

1. W. A. Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 1

Flute concerto no. 1 is classical prodigy Mozart’s one of the only two flute concertos. He wrote it in 1778. Starting with orchestra and afterward, the combined representation of all the instruments will console your mind. No wonder it will make you happy for a moment. It will soothe you and let me tell you one thing, you will listen to it over and over.

This masterpiece has 3 movements. They are:

  1. Allegro maestoso
  2. Adagio ma non-troppo
  3. Rondo: Tempo di Menuetto

Instruments: This music is scored for one Flute, a set of Orchestra, two Oboes, and two Horns.

 

2. Aram Khachaturian: Flute Concerto

Khachaturian did not compose any flute concerto. Nonetheless, this composition is a transcription of his violin concerto. He wrote this composition in 1940. It has rhythm and melody. The slow lullaby will take you to a nocturnal realm for sure. A typical performance lasts for about 35 minutes.

This beautiful transformative work is consists of three movements. They include:

  1. Allegro con fermezza
  2. Andante sostenuto
  3. Allegro vivace

Instruments: 2 Flutes, 2 Bassoons, 2 Clarinets, 2 Oboes, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 4 Horns, Tuba, Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, English horn, Harp, and Strings.

3.Chaminade: Flute Concertino in D Major

This composition was first written for flute and piano but later it was arranged for flute and orchestra. This was a popular and the best repertoire by Chaminade at that time. Even today it is as popular as it once was. It was an examination composition for students in Paris Conservatoire. This is a one-movement composition consisting of a Rondo.

Instruments: solo Flute, with Piano or Orchestra, accompanied by a Flute, two Bassoons, two Clarinets,  a Piccolo, two Oboes, three Trombones, four Horns,  Tuba, Timpani, Harp, and Strings.

 

4. Christoph Willibald Gluck: Flute Concerto in G Major

This composition is scored with solo flute and piano. The slow and smooth music will take you to your nirvana and make you happy for sure. This is the best flute concerto of Gluck. The composition has a simple texture. Nonetheless, it is good enough to make you happy for a moment. You’ll enjoy it for sure.

This piece has come with three movements. They are:

  1. Allegro non molto
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegro comodo

Instruments: solo Flute, Orchestra, 2 Horns, and Strings.

5. Rosetti: Flute Concerto in D Major

This composition from Rosetti is a nice piece of art. This classical music has its own power to capture your attention. It will bring peace to your mind and will soothe your restlessness for a moment. You can feel the music as the different movements appear.

This jolly composition has 3 movements as well. They include:

  1. Allegro maestoso
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegro

Instruments: It has been scored for a nice set of instruments including solo Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Horns, Strings, and Continuo.

 

6. Joseph Haydn: Flute Concerto

This composition by Haydn was written in 1780. This is his one of the best flute compositions. This slow- fast movement with rhythm and melody will make you highly spirited. With the change of the movements, you’ll discover yourself in a different state of mind.

Typically, a performance lasts for 19 minutes. This beautiful composition has 3 movements.

  1. Allegro molto
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegro molto

Instruments: This piece is scored for solo flute, an orchestra of strings, two horns, and keyboard instrument.

 

7. Friedrich Schwindel: D Major Flute Concerto

This complex yet robust piece of composition is thought to be written in between the 1770s to 1780s.  With greater note range it has a bold opening along with the soft melody. And the finishing will make you happy, no doubt! This composition will engage you totally with the music.

The beautiful composition is fun to play and it has 3 movements.

  1. Allegro
  2. Adagio
  3. Rondo

Instruments: Solo Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Horns, and Strings.

 

8. CPE Bach: Flute Concerto in G Major

Flute Concerto in G major is Bach’s most exciting and unpredictable composition. This back and forth composition will take you to the different moods and bring out your joy. It will cheer you up for sure.

The timid work of flute and peaceful coexistence with an orchestra is good enough to make the moment lively.  On average, a performance lasts for 25 minutes. It has 3 movements as well.

  1. Allegro di molto
  2. Largo
  3. Presto

Instruments: solo Flute, Orchestra, Keyboard and Strings.

 

9. Francois Devienne: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major

This mixed scale composition by Devienne is a beautiful piece of art. It has been written from a player’s standpoint. It will bring out a player’s creativity in finger technique. And for you as a listener, you’ll find the music absolutely pleasant and it will bring joy to your mind.

This jolly composition has three movements:

  1. Allegro
  2. Adagio
  3. Rondo: Allegretto

Instruments: Solo Flute, 2 oboes, 2 Horns, and Strings.

 

10. August Eberhard Muller: Flute Concerto in E Minor

August was a complete Mozartian and he followed the classical pattern in his composition. He was a keyboardist and a flutist at the same time. His flute concerto in E minor is dramatic and dark. The music will sparkle in your mind I can guaranty.

This composition has 3 movements. They are:

  1. Allegro
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegretto con variatizioni

Instruments: solo Flute, Orchestra, Keyboard, and Strings.