The Soul Of Spain Volume II

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 string instruments is to utilize various harmonies and voicings and not weaken the dynamics or quality of any one line when playing counter lines. This is particularly important with the violins and violas. The listener will note that at times the melody line is in full presence and possibly a full and lovely counter line is being played without sacrificing the full dynamic value of either. Secondly, the original performances have been recorded under the most exacting audio 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 cellos 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 exclusively by Somerset Records in 1958. These will include broadway musical scores, mood music, travel impressions, standard popular songs from film scores and classics. No matter what your 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.