The Sapphire by David Heath for Flute and Piano

British composer and flautist David Heath, born in Manchester in 1956, studied flute at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Starting at age 17, he played modern jazz and composed his first piece, “Out of the Cool,” in 1978 upon a request from fellow flautist Richard Blake. This composition, along with “Rumani” (1979) and “Coltrane” (1981), blends modern jazz elements into classical compositions.

In 1982, Heath’s style took a different path with “Fight the Lion” for piano. His subsequent works, such as “Rise from the Dark,” showcased rock-based rhythms and bold harmony, incorporating avant-garde sounds and beautiful chord progressions. Notable compositions include “On Fire” (1986), “Berlin Wall” (1990), and “The Frontier” (1989), fusing funk, avant-garde, and minimalist elements.

Heath has created significant works for James Galway, Nigel Kennedy, and percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Galway premiered the flute concerto “Free the Spirit” with the Philharmonia under conductor Leonard Slatkin. Heath’s violin concerto, “Alone At The Frontier,” caused controversy at its premiere for its use of a rap choir and graffiti backdrop, while “African Sunrise – Manhattan Rave” for solo percussion and orchestra received enthusiastic praise in both the UK and the US.

As Composer in Residence with the BT Scottish Ensemble from 1993 to 1996, Heath composed notable pieces such as “The Four Elements,” “The Celtic,” “The Connemara,” and “The Rage.” He appeared on BBC2’s Mad About Music series in 1994 and is recognized as a professional flautist, collaborating with various artists including Sting, Dominic Miller, Jerry Dammers’ “Free Nelson Mandela,” Michael Kamen, Robert Lockhart, and Barrington Pheloung. Heath performs on an early Cooper flute named “Excalibur,” specially rebuilt by renowned maker Albert Cooper.