Search - Unspecified, Johann Sebastian Bach, Bela Fleck :: Music for Two (Bonus DVD)

A virtuosic and virtuous disc.

Dustin Georgemiller | Goshen, IN | 05/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer are the unequivocal masters of their respective instruments, the banjo and the string bass, and have been such close friends for so long that a colloborative effort seems like a natural evolution of their ouvre. Indeed, the beauty of this disc is that the music does not get bogged down under the weight of their combined musical genius. On Music for Two, a Sony Classical release, Fleck and Meyer weave intricate tapestries of sound, combining straight classical transcriptions of Bach (the original classical virtuoso and arguably the touchstone for all of western music) with improvised tunes from their own repertoire. "Bug-Tussle" and "Pile Up" are upbeat, catchy newgrass charts that are heavy on the improv. "Blue Spruce" is a new-agey Flecktune featuring Bela in a semi-rare performance on the six-string guitar and Edgar on piano. "Wrong Number" pulls a fast one on the live audience, as an interrupting cell phone becomes an elaborate gag that is worked into the song itself. And the Bach transcriptions are not only 100% faithful, but 100% flawless. The added DVD only enhances the listening experience, as you get to see fingers and hands in action, making the virtuosity of Fleck and Meyer even more apparent. In the end, "Music for Two" proves that sometimes when you combine two musical talents of this caliber, one plus one equals MUCH more than just two."

Endlessly inventive

Malcolm Res | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As two of the most highly regarded technicians of their respective instruments, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer collaboration on "Music for Two" couldn't be anything less than inspiring. The duo exceed expectations by writing eloquent and evocative pieces. As I continue to listen to the album, their original compositions come to the fore as the marquee sections of the disc. The album could have been strengthened by shedding the veneer of classical music and relying solely on their original compositions.



Bela is uncanny in choices of excellent bassists. (Vic and Edgar) I heard that Victor joined Bela and Edgar for one of their concerts during their tour. I wish I had been there.



In concert, Bela and Edgar are consummate professionals. At times, their stirring music transported me of the concert hall and into a dreamlike state of memory-drenched bliss. Their music is at once amazingly ambitious, yet blessedly timeless. Here's hoping that they get together more often..."

An Extraordinary Album from Two Virtuosos

L. Walderich | Tulsa, OK United States | 04/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who appreciates quality music should own this album.This is one of those albums that from the first moment you listen to it, you will be immediately hooked. It combines selections from Bach and other classical composers with completely original compositions by both Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. And, what makes the album really unique is the humorous interaction between the two musicians - and the audience! (Wait until you hear "Wrong Number".)However, you won't really appreciate the depth of the album until you watch the bonus DVD. It's a documentary on how the two musicians worked together to perfect one of the album's selections ("Canon"). The filmwork was high-quality as was the recording of the album itself.For the price, you won't find a better value in excellent musicianship and documentary. And, for the record you will be hardpressed to find two better musicians and composers living in this day and age."