From Amazon.com
The novels of Hermann Hesse have always been contemplative, coming-of-age affairs, but in his post-apocalyptic novel,
The Glass Bead Game, the arts, philosophy, and science collide head-on to create an enthralling, thought-provoking read. From this enlightened springboard, we have
Music for a Glass Bead Game, a collection of music that is a fitting synthesis of the game described in the book (an intellectual exercise in which one idea elaborates off another). Bach's Inventions--mentioned in the book--are spread throughout the disc, but they hardly steal the show. Instead, they provide an interesting contrast with lesser-heard works for violin and cello. Kodály's Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7, is gorgeous, expressive, and filled with folksy touches. Cellist Nathaniel Rosen and violinist Arturo Delmoni deliver stirring performances with plenty of grace and delicacy, working as equal and sympathetic partners. On Martinu's Duo for Violin and Cello and Handel's
Passacaglia, they similarly shine. Special nods go to John Marks Records for their impeccable recording of this pair. A disc featuring some of these works performed by
Nigel Kennedy and Lynn Harrell is available, but--sonically and musically--it can't compete with this sensitive and unique recording.
--Jason Verlinde
