Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Christian Lindberg, Modest Mussorgsky :: Los Bandidos: The Criminal Trombone No. 2-1/2)

Highly enjoyable, highly recommended!

Dr. Christopher Coleman | HONG KONG | 03/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The amazing Swedish trombonist Christian Lindberg tries his hand at composition in the title track to the BIS CD Los Bandidos. Lindberg is arguably the greatest living trombonist, with a fantastically wide range, lovely tone quality, and technique comparable to that of the finest performers on any instrument, and he's a clever composer, too. Although you might not ordinarily think of the trombone as a solo instrument, Lindberg has made a career out proving that it is as capable and versatile as any other.The concept of this CD is works arranged (or to use Lindberg's word, "stolen") for Lindberg and his accompanist Roland Pontinen. The subtitle of the CD is The Criminal Trombone 2 1/2, and yes, it is a "sequel" (with a nod to comedian Leslie Nielsen's Naked Gun movies) to Lindberg's earlier CD The Criminal Trombone. The CD features arrangements of J. S. Bach's Sonata in G minor, originally for viola da gamba and continuo; Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, originally for piano solo but most well known in the arrangement for orchestra by Ravel; three movements from Stravinsky's Firebird, originally for orchestra but here adapted from a piano transcription; and Drei Phantasiestücke by Robert Schumann, originally for clarinet and piano.Listening to Lindberg play, it is clear that he loves what he does--the sheer delight of the virtuoso is unmistakable. A spokesman for contemporary music, particularly that of Scandinavian composers, he is also at home performing baroque, classical and romantic music with fluency. Lindberg has a significant history of commissioning many composers and furthering the literature for this fairly neglected instrument. As a trombonist myself, I am in awe of him--and that he's 42 (my age) and only started playing when he was 17 makes his accomplishment even more impressive. This disc is a marvel for music lovers of all kinds, whether they are trombonists or not."

Christian does it again

Andrew Philpot | Warrnambool,Victoria, Australia | 02/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stolen music? Who cares. This is fantastic trombone (and piano) playing by the world's leading trombone soloist. The music selection may not impress the purists, but it is very accessable to many who would not usually listen to a solo trombone album. As a brass teacher, even the parents of my students have enjoyed this selection and the fantastic playing."