Without any doubt this concerns a very interesting and well considered composition. It contains an arrangement full of tension and a very interesting instrumentation, even It is recorded with electronic sound machines.
The variations over a harmonic, periodic foundation bases on a good idea. Also the meaning of the track titles is original. Of course the question remains where The Glassforest should be settled. There is the "earnest/serious" and the "entertaining" music. Surely it should not be considered as "earnest" music.
It rather finds it's place in the "entertaining" section. That is reasoned in the harmonic structure and the periodic arrangement. Also the themes and their changes are flattering. But that does not mean it is no good music.
Well, I like the piece very much inside itself it is very consequent and logical.
Prof. Hans Rudolf Johner / University Mannheim/Germany
Guido Meyer describes "The Glassforest" as his first serious composition. Conceived and arranged in 1990 - 1992, the music was recorded in 2007-2008 and is therefore currently available for your listening enjoyment.
Fluety synths get "Into the Forest" underway. They are then joined by orchestral strings. A rhythm appears as the track gets more solemn and bombastic. This is medieval-like orchestral music played on synthesizers, so it's nothing like what Guido is currently known for.
"Shimmering Light Through the Trees" brings in the darker shades of sound, with mysterious pads and an echoing rhythm. Another flute-like melody is heard. A relaxed rhythm is introduced and then a harpsichord-like melody, combining with the rhythm to great effect. A rich section with symphonic arrangements follows, very Classical in its scope and structure.
A bagpipe-like melody serves as an introduction to "The Mountain And the Lake". Again, the track sounds very Classical, where synths try to imitate orchestral instruments. This is majestic music that should be enjoyed by a wide audience. A drum rhythm appears, providing that special "Rock" flavour to an otherwise strictly Classical piece of music.
"Deep, Deep In the Forest" is introduced with a sequencer-like run and an oboe lead (or is that cor anglais?). The track sounds somewhat restless. A rather upbeat drum rhythm appears and it's easily one of the catchiest pieces on the album.
We then get a transition to the next piece, which is titled "Night Falls". Dramatic strings and some auxiliary pads are what we hear for a few seconds. A mournful, oboe-like lead sound is introduced. Slow bass notes creep in, falling apart in small cascades of notes. A harpsichord plays a mysterious melody. A flute carefully plays on top, as dramatic orchestral stabs appear. The track then settles into a marching groove. Things become even more intense when the rather prominent chords and beating drums appear.
After a while everything goes quiet, as new orchestral chords herald the coming of "A New Morning". This is the most dramatic piece on the entire album, with chords that just get under your skin.
The last track, "Lost And Perished In the Forest", is basically just rapid arpeggios, comprised of various flute-like sounds.
"The Glassforest" is without a doubt an interesting release that differs substantially from Guido's main output. First of all, there are no guitars. And the music itself sounds more like Classical music, with added drums on several tracks.
I enjoyed it.
2008. Artemi Pugachov / Russia