Nocturne, by William Schade
Schade’s original publication, re-notated and edited by NSM, plus an arrangement of the Nocturne for Unaccompanied Flute created by Peter H. Bloom
William Schade is primarily known today as the composer of fine pedagogical works for flute including sets of beautifully crafted caprices, impromptus, etudes, and progressive duets, but his career as a prolific and versatile performing artist should be celebrated as well. Noteworthy Sheet Music’s chief editorial consultant Peter H. Bloom happened upon the published score and parts for Schade’s Nocturne while exploring music collected by flutist, conductor, arranger Elmer Reade. Mr. Bloom was duly impressed with the beauty and expressiveness of the Nocturne; he created an arrangement of the piece for flute alone, and later suggested that NSM add the accompanied and unaccompanied versions of the work to our catalog. NSM now offers both original versions of William Schade’s Nocturne, those for Flute and Cello accompanied by either Piano or Quartet (Violin-1, Violin-2, Viola, Bass), plus the Bloom arrangement for flute alone. All editions have been re-notated and edited by NSM and include a foreword/preface written by Peter H. Bloom.
► Schade - Nocturne - for Flute and Cello with Piano Accompaniment
Schade provided a complete score for his version of the Nocturne for Flute and Cello with Piano Accompaniment. Since the published copy we came across wasn’t in great shape, we re-notated the score and parts using a modern music notation program. Note that we used a slightly modified and cleaned-up image of Schade’s lovely original publication cover on the inner covers for the flute and cello parts.
Piano Score, 7 pages; Flute part, 2 pages; Cello part, 2 pages; Total, 18 pages.
Preview, Flute & Cello, acc. by Piano
► Schade - Nocturne - for Flute and Cello with Quartet Accompaniment
Score, 13 pages; Parts for Flute, Cello, Violin-1, Violin-2, and Viola, 2 pages each; Bass part, 1 page; Total, 24 pages.
Preview, Flute & Cello, acc. by Quartet
► Schade - Nocturne – arranged for Unaccompanied Flute by Peter H. Bloom
As mentioned above, flutist Peter H. Bloom, having been moved by the uncomplicated eloquence of the Nocturne, adapted the work for flute alone—the flute in his arrangement is unaccompanied, yet evokes the entire original ensemble. The composer’s harmonies and counterpoint are elicited and unveiled by the soloist through judicious use of auditory illusion and “sleight-of-ear.” Mr. Bloom has performed his arrangement of the Schade Nocturne for solo flute in lecture/recitals for the New York Flute Club in 2008 and for the National Flute Association Annual Convention in 2026.
Flute part, 3 pages; Total,6 pages.
Preview, Unaccompanied Flute