I would like to begin by dedicating this new CD, Paul Fried Wails -- to the memory of America's flute legend, Julius Baker, the most important influence I had in all my years of studying the flute. Baker simply put, was the greatest flutist I have ever heard.
All my life it seems that there have been two questions I am asked ---" Is it pronounced flutist or flautist "?? LOL and the other is -" have you composed anything "? The answer was always - In the US its flutist -- in Europe its flautist -- The composing question had always been no until fairly recently. I sort of got into composing via the Finale Program -- which is fantastic -- Once I got the hang of it -- I began to really enjoy the freedom of putting my thoughts and music, down on paper. I hope that flutists and others will enjoy these works.
The 19 caprices are all composed in a variety of styles. The first work, Cry of the Mountain can be played for flute alone or as it is in the recording with a tympani heart beat. I