The first album in the new millennium by the duo Sparks was a surprise. Lil 'Beethoven (2003) was a collection of absurd pop songs in sumptuous orchestral arrangements. The question of how this could ever be performed live remained unanswered for the Dutch fans because the group did not visit our country in the world tour that followed. Fortunately there is now the DVD Live In Stockholm, which
… contains an integral live version of the album, as well as a set of 'golden oldies'. The part with the songs of Lil 'Beethoven is the most interesting. The orchestra arrangements just come from the soundtrack but visually there is plenty to do. Sparks is not averse to a portion of theatrical entertainment, whether or not combined with images on a video screen, which somewhat compensates for the static band presentation. The extra section contains dryly funny interviews, in which, among other things, the legend of Lil 'Beethoven (a true descendant of a bastard son of Ludwig!). Also entertaining is the look behind the scenes, where the band members feast on fruit from fruit trees specially placed in the dressing room. (MS)more
