Flutes Of Fancy
Classical Duo in Vallejo, CA

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Bert and Dorothy Barth have played as a duo since 1996, performing first in San Diego and later in Central California. In April 2003 they relocated to Northern California and now perform in Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties as well as the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento areas. Although they love performing as a duo, they are also available as soloists. Dorothy is often booked to play romantic solo violin at weddings and receptions, and Bert is available on solo recorder.

Dorothy began playing violin during childhood. She discovered the recorder after graduating from Stanford University with a degree in music. Bert comes to the recorder with a background in modern woodwinds and concert management for station WBUR FM in Boston.

Flutes of fancy has appeared at weddings, special events, museums, and Renaissance Fairs throughout California. They have been featured in print (Renaissance Magazine, American Recorder) as well as on local television news segments. They can perform in formal concert attire or by request in Renaissance, Medieval, or Celtic costumes.

Dorothy's wedding ceremony music article (Music for a Perfect Moment) appeared in Portland Bride and Groom. Additional music essays have been published in:
The Canadian Music Teacher
Music for the Love of It
Music Teacher Magazine (Australia)
Classical Music (UK)
Stringendo
California Music Teacher

Dorothy will complete her sixth volume of Celtic duo arrangements early 2010.

Flutes of fancy's aim is to provide musical magic especially tailored to your event.

ABOUT THE RECORDER

Predecessor to the modern flute, the recorder was an important consort instrument during the Renaissance and reached virtuoso heights during the Baroque period, particularly with the music of Telemann.

The recorder's beauty was rediscovered in the early 1900's after almost a century and a half of relative obscurity. Softer than the modern flute, its delicate voice, at times playful, at times spiritual in quality, forms a wonderful complement to ceremonial, intimate, or whimsical gatherings.

The recorder family is an extended one, and flutes of fancy brings together the soprano, alto, and tenor members of this congenial group to create their sound. They can perform on as a duo of two recorders or a a recorder and violin duo (the preferred combination for weddings). Their many Renaissance and Baroque style recorders are made of maple, rosewood, boxwood, and ebony.

Flutes of fancy especially enjoys performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The recorder is, however, an adaptable instrument, and their repertory also includes a variety of traditional folk music, English Country dances, Irish reels, light classics, contemporary romantic ballads, and even some blues!