Classic Latin

AMG Review of Classic Latin

Heather Phares
All Music Guide

As the title suggests, the 101 Strings Orchestra's Classic Latin features orchestral renditions of well-known Latin songs, ranging from "Mexican Hat Dance" to "Macarena." Though Latin music usually sounds better with more brass-based arrangements than string-based ones, the versions of "Por una Cabeza," "Acuarela do Brasil," and "Espańa Cani" work surprisingly well. "Cielito Lindo," "The Peanut Vendor," and "La Bamba" are some of the other highlights of this entertaining collection, which presents an enjoyable, if not totally authentic, sampling of Latin melodies.