The Impostor

Béla Fleck, the renowned banjo virtuoso, presents "The Impostor," a groundbreaking album released in 2013 under Mercury Classics. This captivating collection showcases Fleck's extraordinary talent and innovative spirit, featuring world-premiere recordings of two original compositions: "The Impostor" and "Night Flight Over Water."

"The Impostor" is a concerto for banjo and symphony orchestra, divided into three movements: "Infiltration," "Integration," and "Truth Revealed." This ambitious work was co-commissioned and performed by multiple orchestras, including the Canton Symphony, in 2011. Fleck's mastery of the banjo shines as he navigates the complex and dynamic interplay between the solo instrument and the full orchestra.

The second composition, "Night Flight Over Water," is a quintet for banjo and string quartet, comprising three movements: "Tumbledown Creek," "Hunter's Moon," and "The Escape." This piece offers a more intimate and nuanced exploration of the banjo's expressive capabilities, complemented by the rich textures of the string quartet.

With a duration of just over an hour, "The Impostor" is a testament to Fleck's versatility and creativity, blending elements of bluegrass, newgrass, and Americana. The album is a must-listen for fans of Béla Fleck and anyone seeking to explore the boundaries of acoustic music.