Sonata for Flute & Piano (Mel Bonis) | Flute Sheet Music Review
This post is part of my Quick Takes series - short, focused reviews that highlight key publications for teachers and players.
Introduction
It’s always good to be able to add a substantial flute work to my music shelves - a rare thing these days - and in the short time I’ve been playing through Mel Bonis’ Sonata for Flute & Piano, it has more than justified its place.
Recently published by Edition Peters, Sonata for Flute & Piano by Mélanie-Hélène Bonis is not a newly-published musical work, but rather, this new edition restores for the first time, as far as was possible, the work as intended by the composer.
Key Impressions
Mel Bonis’ Sonata for Flute & Piano in C# minor, Op. 64 is broadly divided into four movements: ‘Andantino con moto’, ‘Scherzo’, ‘Adagio’, and ‘Finale’. The ‘Scherzo’ has previously appeared at Grade 7 and is also presented in another recent publication, Advanced Flute Repertoire Grades 7-8 Level.
Composed in 1904, the work was considered a ‘staple’ of the flute repertoire for much of the 20th century; however, it was, until fairly recently, largely unknown outside of France. Bonis studied piano under César Franck and alongside Claude Debussy, and composition under Ernest Guiraud at the Paris Conservatoire. Whilst her piano music has gained traction in recent years, many of her instrumental and chamber works remain relatively unknown.
The Sonata for Flute & Piano is around intermediate to advanced level, and a complete performance of the work lasts around 18 minutes. Described as ‘uncompromisingly romantic’ in this edition, to me, the music feels vibrant and fresh. Bonis possessed great skill in writing chamber works where instruments held equal importance - the Sonata is a work for flute with piano accompaniment, but it is also a duet - both instruments equal partners.
This is a clean and clear edition, something valued by both flautist and pianist. There is a critical commentary in this urtext edition, and a useful preface which gives some background to Bonis’ life and compositional style in the context of this Sonata.
Verdict
Great care has been taken in the preparation and presentation of this edition. Whilst not new to the repertoire, I hope that this expertly presented new edition of Mel Bonis’ Sonata for Flute & Piano will justifiably place it before a wider audience of performers and listeners.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sonata for Flute & Piano in C# minor, Op. 64 by Mélanie-Hélène Bonis, was published in 2025 by Edition Peters, ISBN 9790577024783, RRP £12.95.
I was sent a review copy of this book free of charge; however, this review is my honest opinion as a teacher. You can find my Reviews Policy here.
If this entry in The Notebook has encouraged or supported you, you are warmly invited to buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi. Support starts from just £3 - whether as a simple one-off gift or a monthly subscription - helping this freely offered work to continue and quietly grow.
Star ratings reflect my personal opinion based on usefulness, creativity, presentation, and appeal for teachers and players. I only review publications I can genuinely recommend (3 stars and above):
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Worth exploring - A solid and dependable publication with moments of interest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended - Thoughtful and well-presented; many teachers and players will enjoy using it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended - Beautifully written, inspiring, and one I’ll return to often.
