We asked, and you answered! From your responses on Instagram, we’ve compiled an exciting list of the hardest flute pieces—get ready to explore some seriously demanding (and rewarding) repertoire!

Concerto for Flute and Piano by Jacques Ibert

• Published in 1934, this Concerto is one of the most frequently interpreted Flute concertos ever written. Jacques Ibert (1890-1962), a neoclassical composer, won the Prix de Rome in 1919. Written for the French flutist Marcel Moyse, it is rated as difficult and is composed of three movements: Allegro, Andante, and Allegro Scherzando.

Chant de Linos by Andre Jolivet

• André Jolivet (1905-1974) composed Chant de Linos for the Solo de Concours at the Paris Conservatoire in 1944. Initially written for Flute, Harp, and String Trio, this version contains the scores for the Flute and the Piano. This piece is quite difficult to execute but will stand out in a competition or a recital. Inspired by what is called a Chant de Linos, a threnody (or lament to the dead) in Greek antiquity, this piece is also about Linos, son of Apollo. A good music player, Linos taught Orpheus the Lyre and was killed by Heracles for criticizing him too much.

Concierto Pastoral by Joaquin Rodrigo 

• Concierto Pastoral is a flute concerto composed by Joaquín Rodrigo between 1977 and 1978. It was commissioned by flutist James Galway, who performed the premiere on October 17, 1978, in London, accompanied by the Philharmonia Orchestra under Eduardo Mata's direction. The concerto, aptly named Pastoral, evokes imagery of shepherd life and incorporates folk-inspired melodies reminiscent of the rural landscapes of Andalusia. Renowned for its demanding technical passages, it remains a challenging and celebrated piece in the flute repertoire.

Poem for Flute and Orchestra by Charles T. Griffes

• Poem by Charles Griffes is a lush and expressive work for flute and orchestra, composed in 1918, that showcases impressionistic influences and rich tonal colors. The piece is known for its lyrical beauty, free-flowing structure, and moments of virtuosic brilliance, capturing the flute's full range of expressive capabilities. 

Carmen Fantasy by Francois Borne

• François Borne’s Carmen Fantasy is a virtuosic showpiece for flute, based on themes from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen. This dazzling work features intricate variations on iconic melodies like the Habanera and the Toreador Song, highlighting the flute's technical brilliance and expressive range. A favorite among flutists and audiences, the Carmen Fantasy combines drama, flair, and breathtaking agility in a thrilling performance piece.

Sonata Appasionata by Karg Elert

• Karg-Elert's Sonata Appassionata is a fiery and virtuosic solo flute work celebrated for its sweeping lyrical lines and dramatic intensity. Composed in 1930, it showcases the flute’s expressive and technical range, making it a favorite among advanced flutists.

Scrivo in Vento by Elliot Carter

• Elliott Carter's Scrivo in Vento is an intricate and expressive solo flute piece inspired by a poem by Petrarch, blending lyrical beauty with rhythmic complexity. Composed in 1991, it challenges performers with its dynamic contrasts and modern, texturally rich writing.

Sequenza I (Flute Alone) by Luciano Berio 

• Luciano Berio's Sequenza I for solo flute is a groundbreaking work that explores the instrument's full expressive and technical possibilities. Composed in 1958, it features rapid shifts in dynamics, extended techniques, and virtuosic passages that challenge both performer and listener.

Grande Fantaisie on Themes from "Mignon" by Paul Taffanel

• Paul Taffanel's Grande Fantaisie on Themes from "Mignon" is a dazzling showpiece with lyrical and virtuosic elements from Ambroise Thomas's opera Mignon. This romantic-era work highlights the flute's expressive range and technical brilliance, making it a favorite among flutists and audiences.

Flute Concerto in D Minor by C.P.E. Bach

• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach wrote this Flute Concerto in D minor around 1747 at the very tail end of the Baroque Era for royal flutist Frederick the Great. The style straddles the highly contrapuntal style and orchestral sound of the Baroque with the newer forms of the Classical Era. C.P.E. Bach Fans of Sturm and Drang style will especially love the first and third movements, while the sentimental among us will sing through the expressive middle movement.