Andante and Rondo

Albert Franz Doppler (1821 - 1883) was a flute virtuoso and a composer best known for his flute music.  Taught by his composer and oboist father, Joseph, Franz made his Vienna debut as a flutist at the age of 13 and embarked on several concert tours, often accompanied by his younger brother Karl, also a highly accomplished flutist and composer.  This andante and rondo (Op. 25) was composed to showcase the talents of the Doppler brothers during one of their many tours.  A flashy showpiece, the long melody of the Andante sweeps and soars in a dramatic fashion with rich harmonies in the two flutes, while the Rondo features complex rhythmic layers, and has the cheek and drive of a Hungarian gypsy dance.