Having already embraced the Strausses and Waldteufel, Marco Polo’s wide-ranging coverage of the works of nineteenth-century dance composers here strikes out in a new direction with the works of the ‘Nordic Strauss’, Hans Christian Lumbye. Nothing could more delight this reviewer, for whom Lumbye’s music has an enduring freshness, with melodic appeal linked to simplicity and utter lack of pretension. Quite how many instalments are planned for this complete edition of his works is not stated; but it is clear that Marco Polo have sought to launch the series by including a fair chunk of his most familiar compositions in this first volume. The three or four pieces that, to my knowledge, have not previously been recorded on CD match up well to the general standard of Lumbye’s invention. Those unfamiliar with Lumbye can therefore happily obtain this collection for representation of him at his best, while those already familiar may acquire it in keen anticipation of what is to come. If future issues could offer some works by his sons Carl and Georg, so much the better! The use of Lumbye’s own Tivoli Symphony Orchestra ensures the utmost authenticity and charm in the performances, since this repertory is as much in the blood of the Danes as that of the Stausses is in the Viennese. The admirable documentation by Knud Arne Jurgensen is not the least attraction of this appetizing release.'