Search - Kent Leslie; horn :: The Glass Bead Game

A delightful mix of fantasy and fun

Anne Harrigan | Rockford, MI United States | 07/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Horn aficionados will be thrilled to discover The Glass Bead Game, a delightful collection for horn, colorful accompaniments, and vivid percussion. But you don't have to be a horn fan to love this CD.Of the myriad of moods explored in this fine CD, two works especially drew me into their imagery and sense of fantasy. "The Glass Bead Game" is a musical depiction of Herman Hesse's novel. Its haunting opening horn call captures the sense of the hero's search for truth, and by its last movement, the piece has worked itself into a fine frenzy. Percussionist Tom Harvey brings to life the battle "with thunder, lightning and a storm of fire.""Dragons in the Sky" is packed with drama and, again, percussion excitement. Its middle section made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.Want an added bonus? David Amram's "Blues and Variations" is pure fun.Kent Leslie's tone is steady and pure throughout. But it is his insight into the compositions' nuances which makes this recording extraordinary."