Arthur Honegger (March 10, 1892 – November 27, 1955) was a Swiss composer, who was born in France and lived a large part of his life in Paris. He was a member of Les Six. His most frequently performed work is probably the orchestral work Pacific 231, which imitates the sound of a steam locomotive. Honegger was widely known as a train enthusiast, and once notably said: “I have always loved locomotives passionately. For me they are living creatures and I love them as others love women or horses.”

This intimate little 'Romance' was published in 1953, two years before the end of his short life. The tempo marking is 'Andantino'. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music tells us: " Unfortunately, some composers use it (andantino) meaning a little slower than 'andante', and others as meaning a little quicker. In this score I opted for a slightly quicker (86bpm) tempo being that one of the chief difficulties for the flute, is finding the 'best' breathing places in the middle section, while respecting the composer's phrasing and expression marks.

It is best played using the "GeneralUser GS.sf2" Soundfont by S. Christian Collins Software (http://www.schristiancollins.com/generaluser.php).