The Living Strings Plus Two Pianos Play The Most Beautiful Music In The World [1962]

RCA Camden CAS 687 

Recorded in Mexico, The Living Strings are conducted by Mario Ruíz Armengol.  The featured pianists are none other than Roberto Peréz Vázquez and Jorge Ortega of The Magic Violins of Villa Fontana fame, with the arrangements by Armengol, Vázquez, and Ortega.

"Take not one, but two of that most richly endowed of all instruments, the piano, set them against what must be at least an acre of massed strings, and you have music as deeply satisfying as a country walk in autumn.

In this album, a highly talented piano duo deals effectively with a selection of tender and familiar melodies.  Their method is deceptively simple.  Weaving in, out and around the silky strings, they have treated classics like Clair de lune and favorite standards like Tenderly with affection, taste and rare sensitivity.  The arrangements have succeeded masterfully in blending pianos, strings, and tunes into a whole that is musically exciting and lavish.  Above all, it is lovely to hear.  Music of this sort is like a boat ride; it picks you up, takes you for a smooth sail on serene water, then brings you gently back to port.  Anyone who listens to this album can be assured of a fine voyage and a happy trip back home."  [Liner notes by Arthur Whitman]

Tracklist:
01 Medley: Clair de Lune/Yellow Bird
02 Till
03 Medley: Liebestraum/September Song
04 Autumn Leaves
05 Medley: Humoresque/Nola
06 Medley: 18th Variation (From Rhapsody On A Theme of Paganini/Chopin: Nocturne No.2 In E-Flat
07 Tenderly
08 Medley: Angel's Serenade/Stranger In Paradise
09 Mona Lisa
10 Medley: None But The Lonely Heart/Among My Souvenirs