2: The Pied Piper of Kataan
Picard’s Flute Solo from The Inner Light.
One of the most memorable musical elements from The Next Generation was the beautiful flute solo from “The Inner Light.” During his time on the planet Kataan, Captain Picard learned to play the Ressikan flute, and the journey to master the melody went hand in hand with the passing of the years.
In this episode of Melodic Treks, Colin Higgins brings you the background of the melody that Picard (as Kamin) played at his son’s naming ceremony—a piece of music that is beloved by TNG fans and well known to nearly every Star Trek fan. We delve into the composer, Jay Chattaway, the performer, Brice Martin, and follow the journey of the actual flute through the series and up to its auction.