Sonata for Flute and Piano by Yuko Uebayashi - Jean Ferrandis and Emile Naoumoff ( ORIGINAL )

I first discovered Yuko Uebayashi’s music when I heard Shimizu Nobutaka perform her solo piece, “The Wind Through the Ruins”. I immediately fell in love with her music and approached her, saying, “You don’t know me, but I would love for you to write something for me.” She was hesitant, of course, but after inviting her to one of my recitals in Paris where I performed Schubert’s Arpeggione, she agreed—and that’s how our collaboration began. What started as a sonata eventually turned into several masterpieces: a concerto for flute and string orchestra, « Au delà du temps » for two flutes and piano, and a flute and cello suite.

For the sonata, Yuko was searching for a pianist, and I immediately recommended Emile Naoumoff, who has a rare ability to reach the deepest pianissimos. Yuko trusted us both to interpret the piece with the freedom it needed while remaining precise with the tempi and dynamics, which were very important to her.

What makes Yuko’s compositions so special is the way she writes with the performer in mind, like a filmmaker creating a character inspired by a specific actor. Her understanding of a musician’s strengths, style, and personality informs every note she writes.

I’m honored to have recorded these works with Emile, and to see Yuko’s first sonata performed all over the world today is a joy. Yuko is truly a genius—you can feel her heart in every note.