MEZCLAS ENSEMBLE

Mezclas was formed in Mexico City in 1997, comprised of 2 Russian, 1 Polish and 1 American musician. Since then, the group has been performing the great classics of all times, including their own arrangements of pop and jazz. Individually each member appears as soloist and teaches.

Konstantin Sakssonski : Violin
Born in Moscow Russia. In 1991 he arrived in Mexico to play with the Philharmonic of the Bajio and a year later joined the Mexico City Philharmonic. Aside from his performances of classical music, Konstantin Sakssonski has appeared as a soloist in jazz concerts in various venues throughout Mexico.

Jacek Gebczynski : Violoncello
Polish cellist whose professional career includes teaching, solo performances as well as chamber and orchestral work. As a performing and recording musician he has resided in Poland, Belgium, Spain, the United States and currently in Mexico.

Janet Paulus : Harp
American born in New York. Actively performs as a chamber musician, and orchestral musician as well as soloist. Currently also teaching at the prominent music schools in Mexico City. Has recorded various CD's of premieres of Mexican works.

Marklen Belenko : Piano/ Keyboards/ Arranger
Russian pianist, composer and conductor. In Moscow he composed many works for symphony orchestra, musical theater, television, radio, and movie soundtracks. He is currently teaching and performing in Mexico City.

MEZCLAS VOL. I
Arrangements : Marklen Belenko, Producer: Jacek Gebczynski. Recorded: May 2003 in Mexico City, Mexico. Total Time: 46.55 (Not for commercial use).

1. Por una cabeza (2.47) Carlos Gardel (1889-1935)
The famous Argentinian tango which Al Pacino dances in the movie "Scent of a Woman" (1992) directed by Martin Brest.

2. Brazil (2.47) Ary Barroso (1903-1964)
Originally known as "Aquarela do Brazil", it is the most famous Brazilian song. It came to be known in the US in 1942 when Walt Disney included it in his movie "Saludos Amigos". Brazil has been recorded by hundreds of artists worldwide (Frank Sinatra, Eddie Duchin, Xavier Cugat, Jimmy Dorsey, etc.).

3. Orfeo (4.28) Luis Bonfá (1922-2001)
One of the 10 most performed songs in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). It was originally written for the movie "Black Orpheus" by Marcel Camus and from there initiated the Bossa Nova craze.

4. Tico-Tico (3.47) Zequinha Abreu (1880-1935)
Original title: "Tico-Tico no Fubá". It was imported to the US by Hollywood in the 2nd half of the 20th Century. Zequinha Abreu was a pianist and successful composer of modern Brazilian songs.

5. Bésame Mucho (3.05) Consuelo Velázquez (1924-2005)
One of the best known Mexican boleros and has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Placido Domingo, among others. Consuelo Velázquez was only 17 years old when Bésame Mucho reached international fame and this song can be heard in movie soundtracks around the world.

6. Adiós Mariquita Linda (2.57) Marcos A. Jiménez (1882-1944)
Mexican composer from the State of Michoacán. This song appeared in the movie "La isla de Passión" (Clipperton) directed by Emilio Fernández.

7. Solamente una Vez (3.25) Agustín Lara (1897-1970)
One of the best and most renowned Mexican composers who wrote approximately 700 songs. Solamente una Vez is one of the many love songs Agustín Lara dedicated to his wife - the great Mexican actress - María Félix.

8. Sunrise, Sunset (4.05) Jerry Bock (1928-2010)
Song from the show "Fiddler on the Roof" which opened on Broadway in 1964. It became, for a time, the longest running production in the history of Broadway, with 3,242 performances.

9. Moon River (3.09) Henry Mancini (1924-1994)
Song written for the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961). Henry Mancini was the most successful American film score composer, winning 20 Grammys, 7 Gold Records and 4 Oscars.

10. Cheek to Cheek (3.33) Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
Song written for the show "Top Hat" (1935). Irving Berlin was born in Russia and arrived in New York at the age of 5. He was known as the most prolific writer of patriotic songs - the most well-known being "God Bless America". He wrote more than 900 songs, 19 musicals and 18 movie scores. He supported many organizations financially and was honored for his work to eliminate religious and racial conflict.

11. Summertime (3.10) George Gershwin (1888-1937)
Song written for the opera "Porgy and Bess" (1935) which is the only opera founded on the 1920's and 30's jazz that survived past the post-World War II period. George Gershwin wrote both classical and popular music, reaching fame in both categories. Other known works are "Rhapsody in Blue" and "American in Paris".

12. La Vie en Rose (2.56) Louiguy (1916-1991)
Spanish born French musician by the name of Louis Guglielmi who wrote under the pen name of Louiguy. He created almost three dozen film scores. La Vie en Rose is an internationally known French song with lyrics by Edith Piaf.

13. The Godfather (2.52) Nino Rota (1911-1979)
Theme of the Francis Ford Coppola film "The Godfather". The Italian composer Nino Rota was successful with his operas but reached international fame due to his movie soundtracks in collaboration with the film director Federico Fellini.

14. Arrivederci Roma (2.56) Renato Rascel (1912-1991)
Italian born singer, film actor and songwriter. Arrivederci Roma was featured in the Hollywood musical "Seven Hills of Rome" (1958). Rascel, together with lyricists Pierre Garinei and Sandro Giovannini wrote many Italian musicals based in Rome.