An analysis and discussion of Ray E. Luke's Sonata for Flute and Piano.

Abstract

Ray E. Luke (b. 1928) has flourished at the heart of Oklahoma City's musical life for five decades and has distinguished himself as a respected conductor, revered teacher, and award-winning composer. This study includes basic biographical information about Ray Luke, insight into the composer's thinking about music and his work, and an analysis of the Sonata for Flute and Piano (1999), which was commissioned by the author and the Oklahoma Flute Society. The Performer's Guide to the Sonata (appendix A) brings together commentary from the flutists who have performed the piece thus far, and the Annotated Chronology of Works (appendix B) documents detailed information about Luke's oeuvre, including publishers, instrumentation, details of first performances, and recordings. Two additional listings, the Compositions by Genre and the Discography (appendices C and D), complete the document.

The analytical discussion of the Sonata for Flute and Piano and the background information about the composer offer assistance to performers in the interpretation of Ray Luke's music. Since most of Luke's works are self-published and not widely available, this document facilitates the introduction of his music to flutists and other musicians. Ultimately, this essay documents the artistic contribution of one of Oklahoma's most prominent musicians and contributes to the historical record of culture in Oklahoma.