This piece has been planned several times, for several different combinations of instruments. The first version to be completed (in April 2005) was the solo version, for flute or alto flute. After finishing that version I assumed that the project would end there.

But in September 2005 I decided that I wanted to write a version for Flute, Viola and Harp. I feel that the material from the flute solo has many possibilities pointing towards this trio form, of which Claude Debussy is the spiritual father.

The title is a literal transcription of the third line of a poem by Dylan Thomas: In My Craft or Sullen Art. Thomas describes in a touching way, the thoughts of a poet (or composer?), wondering in the middle of the night for whom he is actually writing his art.

Solo version: Flute or Alto flute. Duration: 4′

Trio version: Flute, Viola, Harp. Duration: 9′

The title Pentagram refers to the five parts of the piece. Every part features a different combination of instruments:

1: Flute, Piano, Tape
2: Alto Flute, Percussion
3: Piccolo, Piano, Xylophone, Tape
4: Flute
5: Bass Flute, Piano, Percussion, Tape

The tapes were created using only recorded flute sounds, not only regular tones, but also noises and key sounds. These sounds were processed in the electronic studio of the Brabants Conservatorium in Tilburg. During a performance the tape sounds should blend in with the live instruments.

Pentagram was inspired by the Shakuhachi flute.

Duration: 17′