Music
of James Forte
Music
of James Forte
by the Quartet of the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic
and the Electric Symphony Soloists
Composer, keyboardist, author, poet and Spiritual Being James Forte has long been a hero to this reviewer. The reasons why become even more apparent in his latest album, Music of James Forte. Here is an assemblage of music that traces his creative life from 1967 to the present. Here is music that puts new meaning into the word, “heartfelt”.
There are seven magnificent works done on twelve tracks on Music of James Forte, totaling over forty minutes of musical emotion and Spirit. It all begins with Mr. Forte’s String Quartet Number 3 which he composed in 1967, as a young man. It is filled with instrumental techniques that serve to highlight the beauty and love of his compositions.
Thirty-four years later, in 2002, String Quartet Number 4 was composed by an older and wiser James Forte. The emotion is the same---Mr. Forte’s heart is constant. Number 4 soars while Number 3 is filled with vigor and aspiration. Both pieces are beautiful and played perfectly by the Quartet of the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic.
Showing his unlimited versatility, Mr. Forte’s seventh track, Cool Dawn, is a moving, elegant and, in this reviewer’s opinion, very far-reaching piece for synthesizer and double bass creatively realized by James Forte and Hilliard Greene. To listen to Cool Dawn is to voyage to the heavens.
Piano Sonata Number 3, In Memoriam, is a somber, thoughtful and evocative piece that musically honors a life and a death. It is a wonderful tribute that leads the listener through bereavement to understanding, and then on to resolution, beautifully performed by Raymond Herbert.
Finally, this reviewer was privileged to hear Nancy Mosehauer Forte perform In Winter’s Sky. Mr. Forte’s composition (and electronic piano) are enhanced by Nancy’s superb voice. Music of James Forte is part of a musical autobiography of a star. James Forte has enhanced our lives with a gift that surely emanates from a higher power!
Richard Fuller
Senior Editor
Pertinent Info:
CD, approximately 41
minutes, Issued Date, 2002. Cost, $14.99.
Available from:
Wildflower Publishers and Recordings
Box 1316
Arlington, MA 02474
Available online at www.amazon.com and at select retail outlets and special order.
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