Kaleidoscopic

Lars Horntveth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 17, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smalltown Supersound
• ASIN: B001KOI2XM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,041 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2009 sophomore release from the Jaga Jazzist leader, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut album, Pooka. Kaleidoscopic consists of one 37 minute long composition and was recorded with 41 members of the Latvian National Orchestra (34 string players, three percussionists, clarinet, flute, bass trombone and one harp), with Lars Horntveth himself playing piano, horns, and clarinets.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Neoclassical Electronica, March 28, 2009

By 

Ellis Swearangin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kaleidoscopic (Audio CD)

First, the mastering on this record is perfect. There is tonnes of dynamic range, great eq, and the engineer didn't over-tweak the record. The mastering engineer was Bob Katz, kudos Bob. I must also thank Lars for telling the Bob that he wanted a great sounding album that did not give in to the "loudness wars". The recording and mixing is likewise top notch. I have no problem in labelling this album suitable for the audiophile. I should also mention that Jorgen Traeen does a great job of producing the record.

Now that we know the mastering/recording/mixing doesn't kill the music, what about the music. Lars has dove headlong into the world of symphonic music. He worked with members of the Latvian National Orchestra. There were 34 string players, 3 percussionists, 1 clarinet, 1 flute, 1 bass trombone and 1 harp. That is one amazing assemblage for an independent release. It is one 37 minute long piece that requires your full attention if you want to appreciate it fully.

The music has a cinematic scope and pacing; infact it sounds like a soundtrack to a movie in his head. It has a variety of themes and genres that meld and transform into one another. Sometimes epic, sometimes minimal and ambient, there is much to digest here.

The best description of the type of music I've heard is neoclassical electronica. It's a great amalgamation, one that I hope to hear more of.

Thank you Lars for a rare treat. :)