Customer Reviews

The Yearning: Romances For Alto Flute

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first encountered the music of Michael Hoppe' and Tim Wheater on Seventh Wave's "A Very Green Christmas", and loved their arrangement of "Silent Night". When I saw "The Yearning", I bought it with great anticipation. Despite my excitement, I was not expecting anything of the shimmering beauty of this album. It is unquestionably one of the most beautful recordings I have ever heard.

Each "Romance" is individually dedicated to the celebrated women featured in a series of photographs by photographer, E.O. Hoppe' (1878-1972), Michael's grandfather. The photographs and a short biography of each of these women are included in a booklet, so this makes an exceptional package. But the music - the music....

A sense of yearning and passion runs through each piece, giving the album a consistent mood all the way through. All of the pieces are slow and low-keyed. The alto flute sounds like it has about the same range as a cello, and, that same lovely, melancholy feel that can come from a cello is here as well. Hoppe' keeps his synthsizer washes in the background, and they serve to enhance the sounds of the flute and provide some subtle harmonies and gentle rhythms. Haunting, ethereal, elegant, and emotional are words that come to mind as I listen to this aural work of art.

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....

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.

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!

this beautiful cd is wonderful for those seeking inner peace and spiritual well being. Tim plays the alto flute with such deep emotion, that the music brings one to tears. A wonderful gift for those who enjoy a musical rendering of beauty and tranquility.

Wheater has produce some fine music. Most would be considered "new age music" - mixes with environmental sounds or ethnic instrumentation. This (and it's sequel, The Dreamer) is in a class of its own and his finest. Perhaps it is in his collaboration with pianist/songwriter Michael Hoppe. The music on these albums evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. Some of my clients have described them with the term "melancholy".

An added feature - both albums contain a booklet of portrait photos (w/biog's) of once famous folk (Queen Elizabeth, Marlene Deitrich, Einstein, etc.) who had been photographed by Hoppe's grandfather. Each cut is dedicated to a person in the booklet.

While I rate Yearning a 10, I would give The Dreamer a 9. Not quite as touching, but still a fine album.

Speaking of touching, as a massage therapist, I have listened to these albums well over 200 hours each and I never tire of hearing them. (even though I still can't tell which cut is which - they all sound so similar) I highly recommend these for massage (esp. for lovers)

I usually try to stay away from flute music as it can sometimes be somewhat "shrill" but I suppose the alto flute makes the difference..it almost sounds like a recorder or an oboe at times, to me anyway. I try to buy moRe "bargin" music because I have spent alotOF MONEY IN THE PAST and been dissapointed but this was worth wvery penny! And the savings at amazon is at least $3.00 over the store prices. I ordered it based on the samples but they really dont do the actual songs on the cd justice... the actually songs envoke so much more. I love falling asleep to this...even doing my bills to this helps with the stress of writng the checks. This is one cd I'll keep forever. I LOVE IT!

I have had my copy of The Yearning for almost a year now and I never tire of listening to it. The haunting melodies truly take you to a magical, relaxed place where all the cares of the day seem to dissappear. It is a must for those that want to set a peaceful atmosphere.

This is beautiful. This will haunt you. I literally cannot stop playing this. My favorite piece--and I love them all-- is "The Waltz of the whispers" It haunts me. I had never heard Michael Hoppe's music before and then a friend played one track from this CD to me ("Of Mask and Shadow") and I absolutely had to have this. This is the sweeest most beautiful music. I just love this and cannot stop playing it

I have been a massage therapist for 6 years and this is my favorite CD for many of my massage clients. I choose the music for ME since I am the one to listen to it for hours, and for my clients who must be able to relax while listening to it. The Yearning makes me feel good, and clients often ask if they can buy it from me. It works well in my practice.