"[1][2][3][4] Kernis composed the concerto specifically for the flautist Marina Piccinini and said the composition was "inspired by the beauty and elegance of her playing."
Additionally, the fourth movement draws inspiration from the Ian Anderson-lead British rock group Jethro Tull.
Reviewing the world premiere, Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press said the piece "proved to be a corker" and wrote, "The concerto was more abstract, with more dissonance and density than much of Kernis' music, which tends to traffic in lush melody and easily digestible harmony.
Here the dominant feeling was one of mercurial mood swings, as the flute skittered quickly between dreamy reveries, sprightly dances and intense furies.
All proceeded smoothly, including a charming use of a mandolin, until the last movement Tarantella, where the drum set and 'ride' cymbal beat and rock-inspired bass lines stumbled like an awkward teen trying to dance.