' score for the series about 's consulting detective has become almost as closely linked to in the minds of fans as star (1933-1995). But those with no interest in can also enjoy this recording. ' musical eloquence is richly displayed in these widely diverse, yet cohesive, tracks. begins the recording with the vivacious theme (performed on ' instrument, the violin, by ) that brings to mind ' classic alarm call, "Come, , come! The game is afoot. Not a word!" The cohesiveness of the album comes from ' variations on this theme found throughout the rest of the recording. But the diversity within this cohesiveness is what is remarkable. ' compositions range from the energetic and mysterious to the introspective and poignant, from the noble quality of an -like ( ) to the surrealistic, synthesized sounds of And on the way, it touches upon hints of a , , and the liquescent sounds of English cathedral music ( ). All the while, the composer never lets listeners forget the gas-lit London streets, the dark and murky Thames, and the fog-shrouded moors that were the heart of ' detective dominion. not only composed these pieces, but also conducted , and . The performances are excellent, as is the quality of the recording. It should be noted that this recording contains This track has special significance for ' aficionados, as ' daughter, , played the composition on the violin at 's funeral (during which performance, it was reported, many a tear was shed). This fact not only illustrates how came to epitomize , but also how immensely successful was in composing a score that conveys the ethos of one of the most famous characters in all fiction. ~ Peter Ditzel