The Sephardic Experience, Vol. 2, Apples and Honey: Winsome Evans and the Renaissance Players (CD, 56:52); Celestial Harmonies 13167-2, 1998 Celestial Harmonies P.O. Box 30122 Tucson, AZ 85751 USA Ph: 520-326-4400 Fax: 520-326-3333 Email:celestial@harmonies.com Cyberhome: http://www.harmonies.com Herein lieth delights. Winsome Evans, Director of Australia's Renaissance Players offers a treasure trove of "endangered" early music. This ensemble brings near-forgotten music to life and documents it in this collection of Spanish-Jewish songs and Mediterranean dance tunes. The pieces cover the woes of exile, the lure of the siren, the moon, the sea, the fires of passion, the pangs of love, and the endless adoration of Yahweh. Period instruments or near-replicas are played in an authentically appropriate style. Vocal stylings and language follow the same "living history" guide. Rich beauty and depth of the ancients' soul are vividly translated by this Early Music Ensemble's expertise. It is a stimulating walk through an unheard, unseen, and unknown world -- a view across the chasm of Time. Musicians need to hear this to broaden themselves. Audiophiles will be vastly approving of The Sephardic Experience. Undiscovered gems glisten just beneath the surface of Winsome Evans' vision. The Renaissance Players on this recording are: Winsome Evans, Benedict Hames, Llew Kiek, Mara Kiek, Melissa Irwin, Mina Kanaridis, Andrew Lambkin, Barbara Stackpool, and poetry reader Geoff Sirmai. Winsome Evans is to be highly praised for all she has catalogued so lovingly here for all to cherish -- hopefully, far into the next millennium. Well done! This experience of the Sephardim has enriched me. Enjoy the 36-page booklet of CD liner notes that's included. ~ John W. Patterson
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