Writers, poets and painters have been trying for centuries to depict the soul of Spain with pen and canvas. There can be no doubt that music composers have fared better than all other artists in their decriptive endeavor.

The emotion of the unpredictable Spainiard and his land is best presented a in all its languor and fire by such musical writing as Ernesto Lecuona's "The Breeze" - a work of sensuous beauty. The drama of the plaza de toros is portrayed by the striking "Matador" and the pagentry of history by "Le Cid".

Listen to the dancing strings of "Valencia" and the lush, magnificence of "Granada". Thrill to the staccato rhythm of the castanets in "El Relicario", and revel in the romance and the habitat of the flamencos in "Cantina Toreros".

Just as Volume I of "The Soul of Spain" has thrilled hundreds of thousands of "Hi-FiAfficianados," so too will this collection of musical drama enthrall you with its sensitivity and temper.

We suggest you listen to "The Soul of Spain, Volume 1, which contains: "Malaguena", "Domingo En Seville", "Espana", "Macarenas", "La Violetera", and "Espana Cani".


The lush magnificence and emotional depth of 101 Strings is due to a combination of factors. First in importance, is the concept of scoring for the strings. The necessity of using 101 strings instruments is to utilize various harmonies and voicings and not weaken the dynamic of quality of any one line when playing counter lines. This is particularly importance with the violins and violas. The listener will note that a times the melody line is in full presence and possibly a full and lovely conter line is being played without sacrificing the full dynamic value of either. Secondly, the original performances have been records under the most exacting aucio engineering standards with specially designed microphones with characteristics to compensate for any possible distortion from the tremendous bass frequency response in cello and string bass. Third, and of extreme importance, are the players themselves. They represent the finest musicians in Europe today. In fact there are 11 concertmeisters in the first chairs.

Depending on the selections and arrangements, the orchestra is composed of 128 to 141 players. Of these, there are 30 first violins, 26 second violins, 20 violas, 18 cells and 7 string basses. The rest may be in woodwinds, brass or percussion, This album is among the first of a series of 24 to be released excusively by Somerset Records in 1958. These will include broadway musical scores, mood music, travel impressions, standard popular songs from films scores and classics. No matter wha you preference is in music - there is a rich and rewarding listening experience awaiting you with 101 Strings. Recording under direction of D. L. Miller - Audio mix Dr. Eric Beurman.