Daniel Asia: Works for Flute
"Daniel Asia is one of the most prominent American composers of his generation…"
Fanfare
"Asia is a welcome addition to the roster of our strongest group of living composers."
Schwann Opus
Daniel Asia: Composer
Daniel Asia (b. 1953) stands among the most versatile composers of his generation, having traversed orchestral, chamber, vocal, and operatic realms with equal mastery. A 2009 recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award and inducted into the American Academy of Sciences and Letters in 2024, Asia has been hailed as "a genuine creative spirit" and "a welcome addition to the roster of our strongest group of living composers."
His orchestral works have been commissioned and performed by major symphony orchestras including Cincinnati, Seattle, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and the American Composers Orchestra in New York City. Renowned conductors such as Jesús López-Cobos, Eiji Oue, Gerard Schwarz, and Zdeněk Mácal have championed his music on stages across America and Europe.
Asia served as Professor of Music at the University of Arizona from 1988-2024 and currently serves as President of Polyhymnia (Center for American Culture and Ideas). His distinguished career includes a Guggenheim Fellowship, four NEA Composers Grants, a Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship, and numerous other honors recognizing his contribution to American music.
Works for Flute
A collection of Daniel Asia's compositions for flute that have not yet had a commercial release—each a testament to his mastery of the instrument's expressive range.
Unicorns are Fireproof
for solo flute
A captivating, never-released work for solo flute, 'Unicorns are Fireproof' showcases Asia's characteristic blend of lyrical introspection and restless energy. It demands exceptional technical prowess from the performer, pushing the boundaries of the unaccompanied flute's expressive and timbral capabilities. The piece invites listeners into a vivid sonic landscape, rich with unexpected turns and profound emotional depth.
Embers
for flute and guitar
A work of smoldering intimacy, Embers explores the delicate interplay between two of music's most lyrical voices. Asia's writing for this duo glows with warmth and subtle intensity—a flame not yet preserved on record.
"…masterful and spirited, full of spunk and sensitivity." —Audiophile Audition
Woodwind Quintet
for woodwind quintet
Originally recorded by the Dorian Wind Quintet and released on Trilogy: Chamber Music of Daniel Asia.
Stream
Plum-Dream Sequence II
PLUM-Dream Sequence II (1976) is a virtuosic work for solo flute that serves as a sister piece to Daniel Asia's trombone solo, Dream Sequence I. While both explore a surreal, dream-like atmosphere, the flute version is specifically tailored to the instrument's agile and ethereal capabilities. It was originally recorded by Robert Dick on the album Solos.
"Daniel Asia's Plum DS II, a marvelously spirited, burbling piece." — A. Rich, New West
"Beautiful flutey harmony, richness of parts."
— T. Putnam, Buffalo Courier-Express
The Wind Cries
The Wind Cries (2017) is a contemporary work by Daniel Asia composed specifically for the glissando flute — a standard flute equipped with the Glissando Headjoint, a mechanical attachment invented by Robert Dick that allows the player to slide pitches similarly to a trombone. The world premiere took place in October 2023 at the 16th annual Music + Festival in Tucson, Arizona, performed by Robert Dick, a long-time collaborator of Asia's who also famously recorded PLUM-Dream Sequence II.
To be released in 2027.
"His music has a beauty that's not just on the surface, but deeply structural. It's music that's built to last."
— Robert Dick
Robert Dick, long-time champion of Daniel Asia's music.
Five Images, for flute and bassoon
"Impeccable craftsmanship... great skill and artistry in their ability to be both intellectually rigorous and accessible."
—American Record Guide
"Fresh, vibrant textures... neoclassical wit and sparkling clarity."
—Fanfare Magazine
"Unabashedly tonal with a distinctly American optimism."
—The New York Times
Five Images (1994) is a charming and whimsical work for flute and bassoon duet, consisting of five short movements in a symmetrical arch form. Commissioned by the Phoenix Public Library for the woodwind ensemble Arpeggio, it premiered on November 20, 1994, at the Ironwood Library in Phoenix, Arizona.
Instrumentation
Flute and Bassoon
Duration
~8–11 minutes
Commission
Phoenix Public Library & Friends
Premiere
November 20, 1994, Ironwood Library, Phoenix, AZ
Pines Songs (Woodwind Quintet, piano, and soprano)
"It sounded appealing, in its Impressionistic way."
—The New York Times
Pines Songs
A seven-movement song cycle setting the poetry of Paul Pines to music, featured on the album Songs from the Page of Swords (Summit Records, 2000). Performed by soprano Carmen Pelton with the chamber ensemble Musical Elements under Daniel Asia's direction.
  1. "White Pillars" (2:17)
  1. "I'll Never Understand" (6:18)
  1. "Fantasy No. 1" (4:15)
  1. "A Little Girl" (1:20)
  1. "Dear Frank" (1:33)
  1. "Fantasy No. 2" (7:03)
  1. "I Walk Out" (3:36)

Previous Collaborations
  • Divine Madness: The Oratorio
  • The Tin Angel opera, which premiered to sold-out audiences and standing ovations at New York City's La MaMa Theater in June 2025
Asia's Critical Acclaim
Daniel Asia's compositions have consistently garnered praise from leading publications and critics, recognizing his profound contributions to contemporary classical music. His ability to fuse intricate technical mastery with deep emotional resonance has earned him a distinguished place among today's most respected composers. His works are frequently described as powerful, thought-provoking, and technically brilliant, showcasing a composer whose voice is both distinctive and universally appealing.
Daniel Asia has been lauded by The New York Times for his "genuine creative spirit," underscoring his innovative approach to composition across diverse genres and his unique voice in modern music.
Schwann Opus has recognized Asia as "a welcome addition to the roster of our strongest group of living composers," highlighting his significant impact and the compelling nature of his works.
"American classical music has finally taken a sharp turn for the better—back towards tonality, accessibility, and immediacy. Daniel Asia is one of the composers who has his hands on the wheel."
—TIME Magazine
Additional Critical Acclaim
"Restoring Spirituality To Music"
—Forward.com
"Asia rocks!"
—Fanfare Magazine
"…a sensuous approach to sound…"
—New York Times
"Gorgeous music, passionate and lyrical..."
—Schwann Opus
"Challenging but listener-friendly."
—Seattle Times
Asia "wishes to be 'appropriately shattering' or revert to full-blown tonality when reaching for something 'beautiful and transcendent'"
—Fanfare
Performers & Conductors
Daniel Asia's symphonic works have been brought to life by some of the world's most distinguished ensembles and conductors, showcasing the breadth and appeal of his compositional voice across the international classical music community.
Distinguished Ensembles
Dorian Wind Quintet, American Brass Quintet, Meadowmount Trio, Cypress Quartet, Amernet String Quartet
Acclaimed Soloists
Andre-Michel Schub, Alex Klein, Benjamin Verdery, John Shirley-Quirk, Sara Watkins, Christopher Pedro Trakas, Faye Robinson, Robert Dick, Carter Brey, Julian Schwarz, Robert Swensen, Jeremy Huw Williams, Carmen Pelton, Mary Feinsinger
Renowned Conductors
Zdenek Macal, Jesus Lopez-Cobos, Eiji Oue, Lawrence Leighton Smith, Carl St. Clair, James Sedares, Stuart Malina, George Hanson, Kirk Trevor, Koji Kawamoto, Gerard Schwarz, Odaline de la Martinez, Jonathan Shames
Distinguished Recognition
Throughout his career, Daniel Asia has received some of the most prestigious honors available to American composers, reflecting both the quality of his work and his significant contribution to contemporary classical music.
American Academy of Sciences & Letters induction ceremony, 2024
American Academy of Arts and Letters Award
2009
American Academy of Sciences and Letters
Inducted 2024
Guggenheim Fellowship
United Kingdom Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship
National Endowment for the Arts
Four NEA Composers Grants
Major Foundation Support
M.B. Rockefeller Grant | Aaron Copland Fund for Music Grant
Artist Residencies
MacDowell Colony Fellowship | Tanglewood Fellowship | DAAD Fellowship (Germany)
Composition Prizes
ASCAP Composition Prize | BMI Composition Prize
Orchestra Residency
Meet The Composer/Composer in Residence with the Phoenix Symphony 1991-94
Connect With Us
Igor Reznik
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Momentum Artists
Mobile: +1-646-975-8402
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