MAGIC THEATRE

Magic Theatre is, together with Visions, Gandalf's finest moment. The eclectic and adventurous nature of the previous To Another Horizon is refined on this album and combined with the melodic sensibilities of Visions to create an excellent instrumental and progressive album. Magic Theatre is also rare in Gandalf's vast discography in being more of a band effort than a one man show. In addition to Gandalf himself on a wide variety of instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, a multitude of keyboards and percussions, there is also a full time drummer in Egdon Groger and bass player in Heinz Hummer which gives this album a fuller sound than other Gandalf albums. Further, Peter Aschenbrenner plays grand piano, organ and saxophone, and Robert Julian Horky plays flutes.

The styles vary from folky to jazzy to classical to electronic while never going too far in either direction and thus keeping it all a coherent whole. This album often reminds me of my favourite Mike Oldfield album Q.E.2., but though Gandalf might perhaps accurately be called "the Austrian Mike Oldfield" he has his own approach to things.

Overall, I find Magic Theatre highly enjoyable. It is recommended to all fans of instrumental, progressive Rock.

Share this GANDALF review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to SouthSideoftheSky
• Report this review (#1178648)
• Buy GANDALF music online with PA partners
• Show all GANDALF MP3/Stream
• Go to GANDALF page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Magic Theatre page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for GANDALF related discussions