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The three musicians obviously had a lot of fun playing the music and putting this performance together. Individually and as a group, they feel themselves in the tunes and rhythms, bringing early music to life in a way that captures the listeners and motivates them to play this CD again and again. Their interpretation makes TINTO also an excellent introduction to early music as well as to the instruments of the time, above all the viola da gamba. Hille Perl, a virtuoso of the instrument in her own right, plays with sensitivity as well as verve. Lee Santana and Steve Player, who join her with baroque guitar and other contemporary instruments, are equally skillful in their performances. An essential CD in your collection! Watch out for more from LOS OTROS in the near future. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa, Canada]


The colour of music   August 11, 2003
Stephen A. Haines (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Listening to Los Otros reviving music ignored for so long evokes a vivid sense of the reach of time and space. The composers listed lived in Rome, Mexico, England and Italy. One may even have been a spy, although that role didn't impair his ability as a composer. Los Otros have assembled their music, and through it, their personas in this outstanding collection. Hille Perl and her associates have become foremost in the ranks of early music interpreters. They have participated in many groups, clearly learning and improvising, building success after success. This CD is a pinnacle performance of music of the 17th Century. A variety of moods are invoked with each piece contributing a new level of feeling. From sedate, almost contemplative compositions to rollicking guitar flourishes, this disc succeeds at every level.

One can only wonder what M. Sainte Colombe would think of the instrument he created in the hands of superb talent Hille Perl. She can approach many forms of music with the viola da gamba, taking the instrument into new, unexpected realms. Her earlier fine presentations of Sainte Colombe himself, Bach, and other composers are surpassed with this disc. She's fully conversant with what the da gamba can offer, exhibiting its capabilities without transgressing limits. She clearly loves her music - and her instrument - communicating those feelings with finesse and endearing clarity. The colours of her music range from twilight calm to sunrise bright.

Lee Santana's long career as a lutenist is vividly expressed, as is Steve Player's guitar talents. Both are talented at capturing the essence of music from distant times. The nearly two decade association of this trio has produced a fine statement of the worth of "early" music for today's listener. The excellent sound quality of this CD gives the listener a singular opportunity to enjoy the combined talent of this group. Regrettably, no samples are available for this CD, and i can only assure you that you'll not regret adding it to your collection. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]