"This North American music is inspired by melodies and experiences of life; to a certain extent they are "hymns" to life. Twentieth century composers in the United States, such as Copland, Ives and Bernstein have demonstrated that they have a different perspective of our times and that the entertainment factor must not be neglected. This collection of pieces on a theme are very popular in the United States, Beasers "Mountain songs" were even nominated for a Grammy Award as "best contemporary composition". It is fascinating to hear how distinctively the musicians perform and blend the sound aura of their instruments. Winfried Stegmann performs on a guitar built by Greg Smallman, John Williams' guitar-maker. Walter Stoiber plays on an instrument built by Carl Schreiber dating from 1928."

"Musical images from North America"

"The Hamburg duo Walter Stoiber (flute) and Winfried Stegmann (guitar) shimmer with a variety of musical colors. When they play, both musicians invoke dark moods as well as light ones, melodies sparkle, tones glisten and come together in an image: "Mountain Morning" is the title of the new CD performed by these two musicians who harmonize so beautifully together. The album comprises a selection of pieces by contemporary American composers such as Stephen Funk Pearson, Richard Patterson, Robert Beaser and Michael Daugherty. Folk, pop and so-called "serious" music elements flow into their pieces. Stoiber and Stegmann interpret them congenially into a floating atmosphere, create light and wistful sounds that allow scope for a wide range of feelings. 60 minutes playing time are an hour of true emotions."

Looking for traces after 1980

Pieces by North American composers are often influenced by landscapes. Robert Beaser's "Mountain Songs" or Stephen Funk Pearson's "Mountain Morning" transport atmospheric images into music and integrate American folklore so smoothly that the compositions fluctuate exactly on the border between "serious" and "entertaining", without having to take sides. The flutist Walter Stoiber and the guitarist Winfried Stegmann have achieved exactly this quality in their playing.