Reviews

(...) the soloist (...) Elizabeth Llewellyn whose radiant soprano both soared effortlessly and floated with sublime gentleness, luxuriantly bathed in a kaleidoscope of instrumental textures and colours.

This record must thus be described as very successful, with attractive music of a sophisticated composer whose music is directly accessible.

A remarkable disc in several ways. (...) I’m sure that in Lisa Larsson’s interpretation these five songs will win many hearts.

A romantic aura, ecstatic culminations, colorful instrumentation, the splendor of virtuosity, have provided an international fame to his works.

The productive master of orchestration Rolf Martinsson is something of an outsider  in his home country as well as in a wider perspective.

that someone dares to write so unashamedly enjoyable, sinfully sexy music as the Swedish composer Rolf Martinsson (b. 1956)! And luckily he does not only dare to but he also can do it.

Rolf Martinsson's trumpet concerto Bridge is a phenomenal piece of music

"...The SCO brought a lyrical depth to Martinsson's vivid and animated score.

It was heartening to hear a contemporary work being greeted so warmly - deservedly so.

Her singing and performing were both totally captivating.

"...Martinsson's amazing trumpet concerto was the big surprise of the evening.

The reaction of the audience and the warm embrace of Larsson and Martinsson had me hope for future collaborations of this Swedish duo..."

There is a lot in the scoring, sounding at times very atmospheric, at others like a highly dramatic film score, and the dialogue-style writing means there is never any trouble hearing the soloist.

Martinsson's musical language is firmly tonal and melodic, the orchestration (for strings only) repeatedly lush and welcoming, matching the soprano line perfectly as one complements the other.

Open Mind was full of grand musical gestures

At least in Finland, one can only be amazed at how Martinsson had both the guts and the skill to write like this.

aurally coherent, skilful in its scoring, big on melody and ultimately a resounding tour de force of virtuosity, adrenalin and exhilaration

Ich denke Dein... is a stunning example of twenty-first century lieder, and Larsson an equally spectacular interpreter.

of exceptional quality.

entertaining in the best sense and, thanks to Lindberg's effortless virtuosity, a thrilling experience."