The Butterfly for flute sextet (optional strings)

The Butterfly is a well-known traditional Irish tune, immortalized by many discographic versions, especially that of “The Bothy Band” in a 1975 live recording. It can be played in a very lively tempo (jig), or in a more moderate tempo with a slightly nostalgic feeling (slip jig). This arrangement provides a playful melodic role for each flute part, similar to a humorous question and answer game.

Listen

Recorded interpretation by Denis Barbier