"The Yearning" is not only a hauntingly beautiful album of gentle melodic tunes played by flautist, Tim Wheater, but it is also a visual collection of exquisite photographs by the composer's grandfather, E. O. Hoppe. The elder Hoppe was a well known photographer of the famous, and Michael took some of his grandfather's most outstanding photographs of famous women spanning from 1916-1931 and wrote music that brings to life the sensual, graceful beauty and mystery of each subject. Each photograph is accompanied by a short biography about the woman and her accomplishments. Incorporating this visual treat of photographs with the flowing melodies of the CD opens the door to a grand reverie of the golden past in which these women lived their lives.