John Santos Music

This box set has a fairly extensive collection of classical music for the casual classical-music-listener (someone like me who just likes to have classical music on when reading or studying). BUT I wouldn't call the quality that great (e.g. one of the tracks has coughing in the background - I guess it was recorded at a live concert).

I'm sure that there's better out there than this, but if you don't care that much about the quality then it's not a bad deal

I love this music, and found this CD to have lyrical interpretations of the variety of Latin American music represented by it. However, I was a wee bit disappointed in one thing. I had a previous tape (lost it) of much of the same music, and the performers were less professional, meaning that the music gained in earthiness which I felt to be a plus. As this recording was done by professionals, it is lyric, musical, and lovely, but lacks that unsophisticated touch which I had liked. Still a very enjoyable recording, though.

Ramirez' Misa Criolla is the epitomy of music that lets you know the minute you hear it that you are in South America. Additional Latin American folk songs combine to make this disk rich in a variety of moods and textures.

"Counterpoint" sing with clean precision creating a sound that feels more like a single instrument than the twelve or so singers who make up the group. Their virtuosity grows with every CD they produce. Add to this restrained but evocative instrumentation that makes the music sparkle and you find yourself enjoying the music as much as the performers clearly do.

In the Brandenburg Concerti, the tempo varies, trumpet volleys sound like French Horns, and the flute is off tune half the time. The harpsichordist was good but in one of the concerti, decided to enter at a different tempo than had been set by the rest of the orchestra. Since he had to play some very fast runs later, it is no surprise that he wanted to slow down the orchestra, but maybe they should have worked it out earlier. The orchestra sounds leaderless and out of sync at times. Can't find the groove. Violins are competent but playing with an orchestra that needs to practise what they are going to play a little more.

That covers the first 2 of 40 CDs. Don't know if I can bring myself to listen to the rest. Somebody who didn't know Bach would wonder what the attraction is after listening to this.

"Dreamer" is unquestionably the finest recording of original songs by black composers available today. The singing of tenor, Darryl Taylor is superb and demonstrates a vocal beauty, musicianship, and interpretive sensitivy that is rarely equaled. The selection of poems of poet laureate, Langston Hughes is first rate, and even more important, the songs themselves are original, varied and well written. I think every listener will find "Dreamer" an exciting musical experience, and I predict for Darry Taylor a distinguished career as an interpreter of art songs. For the Naxos price, buy two albums and give one to a friend!

This collection is a gem! Langston Hughes was a very "musical" poet who was inspired by a variety of forms, from jazz to classical. His poetry in turn inspired a whole generation of composers, thirteen of whom are represented here in fifteen art songs. Additionally, eight Hughes poems are read by William Warfield.

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the Pope here brings the truth and the peace of prayer right to our homes. An experience everyone must have at least once in a lifetime!. For us spanish speakers, the melodious voice of John Paul II is a great gift. In one word: MAGNIFICENT. (The english version is just as brilliant)

El Papa ni se oye..

Como se atreven? Eh

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the Pope here brings the truth and the peace of prayer right to our homes. An experience everyone must have at least once in a lifetime!. For us spanish speakers, the melodious voice of John Paul II is a great gift. In one word: MAGNIFICENT. (The english version is just as brilliant)