Search - Michael Hoppe :: The Yearning: Romances for Alto Flute

Couldn't Stop Listening

katherine kegan | Mpls, MN | 03/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this cd, quite by accident; and I must say it literally has changed my life. At the time I was in the middle of an unrequited love bind and also (unknowingly) soon to be diagnosed with breast cancer.... I found the pieces spellbinding; and for several days I listened to them over and over, at home and in the car and at work. The incredible vintage photos as well as all the themes on the cd absolutely captivated me, especially the audible passion of "Glass Idol" and "Of Mask And Shadow". Eventually, I was fortunate enough to reach Michael Hoppe himself, which urged me on to buy an alto flute (after not playing c flute for many years); and now I quite enjoy playing all the themes myself with Michael and Tim as my original mentors! Plus the entire experience was very much a part of my healing from a broken heart, cancer, and cancer treatment. Certainly, Michael Hoppe deserves a Grammy. His other cd's are equally as gorgeous...."

Haunting Bliss

Janice A. Connett | Albuquerque, NM United States | 03/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was gifted this particular CD with the message: "I have this CD and I cannot stop playing it, so I hope you like it, as well." Every once in a while God smiles and we open ourselves to receive the perfect gift: The piece that makes the whole puzzle fall into place. And that is what I received. Even at first glance, the cover of "The Yearning" is captivating. A photograph of a young woman's sensual face graces the cover, and you can look deep into her eyes and become mesmerized by their luminescence. "The Yearning" is not only a hauntingly beautiful album of gentle melodic tunes played by flautist, Tim Wheater, but it is also a visual collection of exquisite photographs by the composer's grandfather, E. O. Hoppe. The elder Hoppe was a well known photographer of the famous, and Michael took some of his grandfather's most outstanding photographs of famous women spanning from 1916-1931 and wrote music that brings to life the sensual, graceful beauty and mystery of each subject. Each photograph is accompanied by a short biography about the woman and her accomplishments. Incorporating this visual treat of photographs with the flowing melodies of the CD opens the door to a grand reverie of the golden past in which these women lived their lives.Tim Wheater gives an entrancing performance on the alto flute, an instrument that issues forth low, rolling notes that seem to come from the very depths of its Soul. The whole album is unhurried and gentle, and there is light keyboard music in the background to give body and compliment to the flute's low, almost moaning quality. For those particularly attuned to deep tones, this is an excellent album have in your collection. You may find that you, too, are mesmerized by the haunting music, and yearning for more, will play it again, and again, and again."

Yearning: Romances for Alto Flute

Lynn Holbein | Newton, MA USA | 01/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most restful, meditative pieces of music I have ever heard. I play it for the art classes I teach, when we are doing meditative painting, and many people say they want to purchase it. My yoga teacher often plays it during the relaxation, when people rest or even go to sleep. Enjoy!"