Reviewed by John Biddulph

The musical skills of the Ensemble Nord are beyond question in this collection of Danish music. However, before listening one does have to ask the question: "Why do I listen to music?" If the answer has anything to do with pleasure then perhaps this reviewer might be able to persuade you not to subject your sensibilities to the six compositions on this recording. I found the compositions to be rather lightweight and whilst they may well be great fun to play they are, perhaps, best left in the rehearsal room. The playing of what is an odd combination of instruments - flute, guitar, clarinet, cello and piano - is excellent, at times virtuosic. There are moments that remind the listener of the great South American composer Heitor Villa Lobos and even snippets of the finest of Danish composers, Carl Nielsen. The Ensemble Nord are undoubtedly a fine group of musicians and if you are looking for something very different it might be worth a listen but my advice to the Ensemble Nord is - find some better repertoire.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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