Guitarist, Pasquale Bianculli, and flutist, Kathleen McDonald, have recently released a CD of music for flute and guitar. It is called Hill of Slane - Psalms, Sonatas & Sojourns and features the music of J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, as well as contemporary composers Carlo Domeniconi, Frederic Hand, Arlo McKinnon and Richard Charlton.
The Hill of Slane is the legendary place in County Meath, Ireland (about 35 Miles NW of Dublin) where St. Patrick was to have lit the first Paschal Fire in the year A.D. 433.
 The “Hill” was a spiritual inspiration for composer, Arlo McKinnon and he has produced a meditative and powerful work of lasting beauty.
The collection contains works often heard in concert but rarely on CD. The J.S. Bach Sonata in E minor BWV 1034, played on baroque flute and modern guitar, is one of Bach’s continuo sonatas. Sonata in G Major “Hamburg”, by C.P.E. Bach has long been a favorite of the duo. It’s lightheartedness and playful harmonic shifts signal a change from the compositional style of his father to the early classical style employed by Haydn and his contemporaries.
Carlo Domeniconi composed this Sonata, op 37 in 1996. The piece exploits instrumental ranges and textures that intrigue the listener. Movement and stillness alternate to produce fresh colors from the often-heard combination of flute and guitar.
The well-known guitarist/composer, Frederic Hand, wrote Psalm of Thanksgiving (1995) as a result of his own spiritual and artistic journey. The work is filled with themes that illuminate the text of the famous Psalm 100 from the Old Testament. Sonata? by Australian, Richard Charlton is a three movement work mostly in sonata structure but with the composer’s own innovations apparent. Great tunes and interesting rhythmic writing make this piece both a joy to hear and to play.
Pat and Kathy are long-time musical collaborators. This is their first recording together. Music has taken them to Curaçao (International Trade Center), Rotterdam (De Douelen) as well as Paris, Quèbec, British Columbia, Italy and Jamaica. In 2009 they will perform in Oslo, Norway and Arnhem, The Netherlands. Kathy specializes in baroque flute and directs her own ensemble in Brooklyn, NY, Baroque Across the River. Pat is a guitar instructor at the United Nations International School in New York and is an adjunct faculty member at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus.
The CD was recorded in New York at Kilgore Sound and Recording by John Kilgore. (http://www.johnkilgore.com/) It was mastered by Richard Price at Candlewood Digital (http://www.candlewooddigital.com/) Hill of Slane is available for download or purchase from CD Baby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcdonaldbianculli), the duo’s web site, www.fluteandguitarduo.com as well as iTunes and other music web sites.