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Spanish Composers Joseph Ruiz Samaniego and Juan de Ledesma

Joseph Ruiz Samaniego

Joseph Ruiz Samaniego is one those composers that we don’t know much about. At the very least, we do know that he was a chapelmaster at Saragossa Cathedral during the second-half of the 17th Century, and was a relatively prolific composer at that. His villancicos are beautiful, elegant, and a joy to listen to.

Directed by Luis Antonio Gonzalez, the ensemble Los Musicos de su Alteza make their Alpha label debut with an entire recording devoted to the villancicos of Samaniego. Their latest release is beautifully realized – a world-class performance, full of spirit and energy.

Juan de Ledesma

Juan de Ledesma was a prominent 18th-century Spanish violinist who worked a good part of his life at the royal court in Madrid. His violin sonatas give us an idea about his abilities as a composer and performer. They represent an inventive mind with skill to match. Spanish violinist Blai Justo, with cellist Elisa Joglar, and guitarist Bernard Zonderman, have put together a fine Ramee label recording of a few of Ledesma’s only known violin sonatas, giving them life and as fine an interpretation as you’ll find anywhere.

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