Shanghai Overture is an engaging, dynamic work replete with Chinese stylings--stilted, abrupt rhythms with much percussive tingling and crashing. Yet, it has a quasi-minimalist quality that brings to mind John Adams. Tibetan Love Song sounds like nothing of the sort (at least to Western ears), with its anger-ridden brass, woodwind, and percussion opening, while the harmonically angular Tibetan Love Swing's persistent rhythmic pulse and syncopation does approximate dance, even if it doesn't necessarily "swing".

Finally, The Nightingale and The Rose, a short (22 minutes) ballet inspired by Oscar Wilde, is initially reminiscent of late Nielsen (think Clarinet Concerto), but it then goes on to explore a series of varying moods and dances all filtered through Sheng's unique sonic-world. Jahja Ling leads the San Diego Symphony in persuasive performances that project the mood and feel of the music to a "T", as does Telarc's spacious, high-impact sound. For explorers of the unusual.

--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com