The Impostor

I was lucky enough to hear Bela perform his concerto live with The Cleveland Orchestra. To see one of my musical heroes with one of the greatest orchestras in the world was a real treat. Although Nashville isn't on par with Cleveland in terms of sound and technical ability, they are still quite good for studio recordings.Bela's performance is, of course, exceptional. His skill with the banjo is without equal and it shows here. He makes the complex and impossible sound absolutely effortless, as any true master is able to do.Unfortunately, the concerto itself is not a great piece of music. At times it sounds like a generic movie score from John Williams. You know those tired, cliched movie introductions where the camera is flying over mountains in the night, trying to evoke a mysterious, spooky atmosphere? Yup. Unfortunately, a lot of the piece reminds me of that.There's also quite a lot of repetition. Normally this is alright; every piece will have core musical themes that it returns to, reinforcing them and playing around with variations. Unfortunately, certain parts of the piece are repeated so much that it becomes a bore and you're left wondering when something new is going to happen. There's little variation in the overall sound of the piece as well.It's really a shame; this could have been a truly exceptional orchestral debut for Bela, but overall the whole piece is lacking in too many areas. Surprising and disappointing coming from someone with as much vision and talent as Bela. I want to love the concerto but I just can't, despite the amazing virtuosity.The string quintet suffers from many of the same problems. Bela's technique is astounding, but the piece itself is lacking. It's just not a pleasant listening experience.Still, if you're a fan of Bela Fleck's work, or you're curious about how a banjo can work with an orchestra and sound amazing, you should pick up this album.

Two thumbs up to Bela Fleck for not having any limits on what he will try with a banjo. Unlike his "classical" album, which I felt didn't quite fit the banjo, this CD rearranges the "classic" sounds of orchestral music to meld with the banjo, all in a very unique and enjoyable fashion. The string background to the banjo is truly ethereal, as are the other classically oriented instruments. There are parts that I felt were a bit flat, but with as many successes as this unique production has, this is more than forgiveable. Overall, this is an inspirational, unique and truly enjoyable CD.

The Impostor is the real deal. It's banjo concerto with absolutely some of the best new American music I've heard since the days of Aaron Copland. It's very lyrical and fresh, not boring or abstract like most 20th century music classical music I've heard. Like Wynton Marsalis' most recent symphonies, this music is fresh, but authentically American. Amazing stuff.The other concerto is more technically demanding, but for me, not nearly as enjoyable or important. Hopefully, Mr. Fleck will continue his amazingly satisfying jazz collaborations with the Marcus Roberts quartet, as well as with his own group, the Flecktones. But, as composer of Classical music, he might be similar to Mozart in his ability to write concertos of a an exceptionally high quality.Bravo, for The Impostor!

I was able to see Bela play this with the NC Symphony before I purchased this download. Every bit of it is excellent. It may not sit well with pure classical music lovers but I would suggest giving it a listen with an open mind. For Bela Fleck fans it won't come as any surprise that he was able to write and put this music together. As I mentioned I downloaded this album and had a couple of problems finding it once it was completed. The Amazon customer service folks were very helpful in walking thru the steps to find the download. The problem was my lack of computer expertise and not the download process

I will admit, I was a bit leery of a banjo concerto. A bit of musical snobbery, perhaps. But I'm glad I bought this music. It is enthralling, thrilling, strange and beautiful. I look forward to more of this composer's work.

Bela has finally composed and recorded a concerto (for banjo and symphony orchestra). An expansion of scope and a great job of it to boot. If you like traditional classical music get this. If you are a lover of the banjo get this. If you simply love good music get this recording.

Not as much fun as the classical stuff he does in performance, but an interesting example of his work as a composer and one of the most amazing and accomplished banjo players alive. It's got some crazy good moments.

Bela is quite talented. I'd only thought he could survive in one musical style, however he has managed to break down another fence. Not "high" symphonic music, but the banjo smothes right in.

Bela Fleck is a brave musician. In his notes to this disk of his music, he admits that he doesn't read music (only banjo notation) but was determined to write for the banjo in concerto form both for full orchestra and with string quartet. Those who have heard the superb recital disk with Edgar Meyer (and friends) will know that he is a supreme musician. Using the 'Sibelius' program on his computer he has produced and wonderful orchestral showpiece that integrates the banjo with enormously satisfying effect. Bravo, sir, not only are you a supreme virtuoso but also a composer of distinction. Great recording and full throated orchestral playing make this a disk to treasure!

Fantastic beautiful music, a true virtuoso

Bought this for my husband - he was delighted with it.

バルトークを思い浮かべる方も満足させる民謡クラシックとでもいう素晴らしい作品です