Dudamel's wonder band whip up a Latin storm, and even out-Lenny Lenny

Here is confirmation of a pulsating talent and, perhaps, a glimpse of the future. Dudamel’s charisma beats through every bar of this scintillating survey of Latin American music. His Venezuelan players, famously drawn from their country’s streets, where music has provided a route to a better life, throw everything into “their” music. They play as if their hearts are fit to burst with pride as well as passion. And they sound magnificent, textures sharp and clean, driven on with rhythmic momentum. It’s an enormous orchestra and at full-throttle the sound they make is awe-inspiring. Truth to tell, many of the pieces are not first-rate. It doesn’t matter. I defy anyone to listen without excitement to the hypnotic Danzón No 2. Dudamel could yet prove his doubters wrong. This is his first truly great album. I predict a smash hit. My wife hasn’t stopped playing it for about three weeks.

-- Gramophone [7/2008]