The titular work on Maria Newman's Pennipotenti was commissioned  in 2005 by Los Angeles' Pacific Serenades. Pennipotenti, which translates to "Birds," takes its inspiration from the feathered creatures that roam the skies. Each movement is dedicated to the study of an individual bird, bringing that specific animals' nature, qualities, and spirit to the forefront. Written for flute, violin, and viola, the four movement piece takes you on a musical journey alongside the Dipper, the Snowy Owl, the Hummingbird, and the Falcon. The recording on this album features the work of Hal Ott, flute, Maria Newman, violin, and Scott Hosfeld, Viola. 

Newman's Sonata for Flute and Piano was commissioned in 1999 by acclaimed pianist Dolores Stevens and Chamber Music Palisades. The recording on this album features the late master pianist Peter Longworth on piano and Hal Ott on flute. 

Based on the age-old German myth, The Pied Piper of Hamelin tells the story of a mysterious flutist who comes to Hamelin, Germany, promising to rid the town of its rat infestation. With the support of the local government, and promise of handsome pay, the Piper plays a magical tune upon his pipe, causing all the rats in Hamelin to run into the river and drown. However, when the town government does not make good on their promise of compensation, the Piper uses this same magical tune to lure the children of Hamelin into the mountains, never to be seen again.

Newman's The Pied Piper was commissioned in 1998 by the Debussy Trio Music Foundation. Newman revisited the piece in 2008, adding four reveries for solo flute to the already existing piece. Since its original premiere in 1998, The Pied Piper has been played across the country and was adapted into a successful ballet by the Malibu Coast Chamber Ballet. This recording of Ms. Newman's eight movement work features flutist Hal Ott in the role of the titular Piper, in collaboration with Scott Hosfeld on violin and Amy Shulman on harp.

Rounding out the album is Newman's vibrant celebration of Mexico, Colores de Mexico. Commissioned in 1993 by Marty Walker for premiere at the Martes Musicales Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico, Colores de Mexico was originally conceived and written as a work for solo clarinet. However, in 2007, Ms. Newman revisited and adapted the work to be performed by solo flute and percussion. This adaptation was created for the express purpose of performing the work with the Malibu Coast Chamber Ballet, with whom Ms. Newman has an ongoing working relationship. This recording of Colores de Mexico features Hal Ot, flute, and John Magnussen, percussion.

To read the full text of Robert Browning's The Pied Piper of Hamelin, visit poetryfoundation.org