Food for Thought

Putting words to flute music was something I learned early from Jeffrey Khaner, when we replaced phrases in Copland’s Duo with dialogue about Mr. Khaner’s cat, Thais.  If you perform it in a masterclass, I promise I will sing it for you!

The other day, I was eating Chinese food while reading about a friend’s upcoming performance of Poulenc’s Flute Sonata.  It reminded me of some funny text I had set to the music while I was a Juilliard student.  We had an exchange student from China in our studio, who at the time worked at a Chinese restaurant.  So, naturally, as we were working on the Poulenc in studio class, I came up with the following interpretation of the first phrase in the first movement:  sing along!

Hot and Sour Soup, Pork Fried Rice.
Kung Pao Chick-en with Duck Sauce.
Ve-ge-ta-ble Lo Mein, Beef with Broccoli, Garlic Shrimp, Egg Foo Young.

Are there any words you’ve set to a popular flute piece?