Works

NACWPI Journal (Fall, 2000, used by permission)

“Paul Hayden’s ‘Grand Mamou’ for flute and piano is a very appealing work in four movements: ‘Les Veuves de la Coulee’ (The Widows of the Creek), ‘Grand Mamou,’ ‘Te Monde’ (Little World, Little One), and ‘Point Noir Two-Step.’

Based on Louisiana Cajun folk songs, Hayden has taken the folk music as a starting point and developed it with expanded harmonies and form treatments. His sonorous, sometimes surprising harmonies support a variety of characterizations from darkness to piquancy, depending on the context of the song. The writing for flute ranges from calmly lyrical to acrobatic, and is challenging, yet idiomatically well-written and musically satisfying. He utilizes the full range of the instrument, with flutter tonguing, frequent meter changes, and passages of swift, large intervals. Individual movements could also be used successfully for short programs, encores, etc.” —Rebecca Dunnell