A Gentle Tribute: Discovering Respectfully Yours for Flute and Piano

At Astute Music we are always delighted when a piece finds its way into the hearts of players. One such work is Respectfully Yours by Andy Scott – a short, lyrical gem for flute and piano that continues to grow in popularity, especially among flautists.

Written in memory of the remarkable British composer and pianist Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, the piece carries a quiet sense of gratitude. Andy Scott had the privilege of collaborating with Richard on several occasions, and this four-minute work feels like a warm musical “thank you”. Over gentle, melting piano harmonies, the flute sings a heartfelt melody with subtle jazz-inflected chords that give it a warm, reflective glow.

The flute version is dedicated to the distinguished British flautist Paul Edmund-Davies, who gave the world premiere at Oji Hall in Tokyo on 23rd March 2016. It forms part of a fruitful collaboration between Andy and Paul that also includes the popular album The Bad Tempered Flute. 

​This piece sits beautifully on the flute. It is approachable yet musically rewarding, offering emotional depth without excessive technical demands. Many players particularly enjoy it for recitals and concerts because it provides a lovely contrast – calm and singing, with space for beautiful tone and phrasing. It is also currently featured on the ABRSM Flute Grade 7 syllabus.

​Perfect for Practice

One of the best ways to learn and enjoy the piece is with a high-quality accompaniment track. We are pleased to highlight this excellent PracticeWithPiano backing track, which gives you the piano part at performance tempo so you can play along at home:

You can also listen to a lovely full performance by the ANIMO Flute and Piano Duo (Sarah on flute and Yanna on piano) on YouTube if you would like to hear how the piece flows in a concert setting.

Whether you are preparing for an exam, building a recital programme, or simply looking for a beautiful modern British piece to add to your repertoire, Respectfully Yours offers something special. Its combination of lyricism, warmth and subtle jazz colouring makes it stand out in the flute repertoire.

Have you played Respectfully Yours yet? We would love to hear about your experience with the piece or any favourite moments in the comments below.

Ready to explore the music?
​
Shop Respectfully Yours for Flute and Piano
(Printed copy or instant PDF download)