Composer/Performer John Alan Rose presents Ineffable Tales, an album of four of his ensemble compositions, recorded at Reduta Hall in Olomouc, Czech Republic...

Ineffable Tales is very much an album of two halves. It opens with three beautifully orchestrated pieces: The three part 'Piano Concerto: Tolkien Tale' (27 min, 29 sec); 'Old Father Time' (17 min, 38 sec); and '25,000 Years of Peace' (12 min, 22 sec). And for me, that was enough to cement this album right at the heart of my music library.

But there's more... To round off the album we are treated to the tongue in cheek six part 'Ticket to the Theater' (16 min, 50 sec).

'Tolkien Tale' a fantasy with Eastern European folk elements woven throughout which will remind some of the work of Bartok, Brahms, Dvorak, and Prokofiev.

'Old Father Time' for cello and orchestra, is of the neo-Romantic style, but still very much a continuation of the tracks before it. Likewise, '25,000 Years of Peace' opens in a similar vein before rattling through the Old West, right into the Western frontier.

'Ticket to the Theater' is a comical piece which sees Tyler Bunch (Sesame Street) welcome us to a theatrical performance with missing actors. Instead instruments and a soprano (Sing Rose) are our guides to this dark and twisted performance.

It's a enjoyable album which will please lovers of conventional classical compositions. There's plenty to explore and enjoy here.

10

Darren Rea