Concerto for Piccolo and Orchestra (1986)
(Concerto for Piccolo, Percussion and Strings )

The work is in three movements. The first comprises of two themes quite opposite in nature but closely related in their architecture. The second theme is a romantic, tonal tune for which the composer makes no apology.

The second movement is a slow extended duet for piccolo and 'cello in which the tonal centre moves between major and minor in much the same way as the opening sectioon of Walton's  Violin Concerto a work much loved by Easton.

The finale is a romp and sections of it are marked "with humour" to guard againts any pretentious interpretations or misguided attempts to fathom the work's inspiration. It is. quite simply. a piece to be enjoyed by the performer, and hopefully the audience.

Michael Easton writes:
I first met Frederick Shade when we appeared together on "In Tempo", a live program that used to be broadcast from Melbourne. During the play-back of taped segments we discussed the concerto which has become something of a favourite of Frederick's [and, hopefully, the audience's too]. This performance was recorded live at the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival in 1992 in St. John's Anglican Church, one of Victoria's most attractive churches, with a superb acoustic.