No one can deny that
Christian Lindberg is an outstanding trombonist, indeed, one of the world's leading virtuosos in any category; or that his talents as an entertainer have made him a favorite with many orchestras and audiences around the world. But if his bravado and cheerful humor make him click as a performer, he appears too clever and cute as a composer, as this 2005 album from BIS makes painfully evident. The opening Helikon Wasp (2003) for conducting trombonist/vocalist and orchestra might seem funny for its mockery of the avant-garde, but the net effect is of a narcissistic and chaotic improv that could be shortened by 10 minutes with little lost. The World of Montaguaretta (2001-2002) is a pretty but bland flute concerto, attractively played by
Sharon Bezaly, but again too meandering and overly long for its thin material. The jaunty Condor Canyon (2000) for trombone and brass quintet, the irritatingly manic "...ty solen är uppe!" (1999) for trombone and male-voice choir, and the nonsensical Behac Munroh (2004) for trumpet, trombone, and orchestra are perhaps tolerable if heard separately, or in concert; but if taken together, as they are here, these pieces reveal
Lindberg's consistent lack of discipline, indifference to substance or style, and stunning disdain for serious musical thought. The sound quality is good, but a little hazy in spots.