This is picture-postcard symphonism, conceived in the film studio and drawn in poster paints and broad strokes…it is undeniably effective…Marthinsen’s…In the Shadow of the Bat…inhabits a very different expressive world.

Christian Lindberg relishes their sound worlds and the various challenges provided by music that is not as easy to play as it sounds. The Aarhus Symphony Orchestra respond with élan once more and Dacapo’s sound is as terrific as ever.

The big piece here is the three-movement…“a fantasy trip to exotic regions as Niels Marthinsen knows them from film, TV, and the Internet”. The movement titles tell the tale. I (‘Fiesta Mexicana’) is colorful and energetic, II (‘Arabian Nights’) is sinuous and a bit disquieting, and III (‘Great Fireworks in China’) has a fast-slow-fast structure. The music is skillfully crafted…and requires no effort to enjoy. © 2012 American Record Guide Read complete review on American Record Guide online