Javier Busto

Review: Renowned composer and conductor Javier Busto Sagrado, creator and founder, in 1995 of the women's choir Kanta Cantemus Korua, was born in the city of Hondarribia in the Basque country of Spain. For 'Hondarribia, Ametsetan,' an eclectic collection of 16 largely sacred works, most sung in Spanish, Busto directs a mixed-voice a cappella ensemble of 32 voices. 'Himno a la virgen,' 'Ave Maria,' 'Laudate Dominum,' 'Laudate Pueri,' the lovely 'Soinuen itsasoa,' 'O Sacrum Convivium,' 'Ametsetan,' 'Porrusalda,' 'Esta tierra,' 'O Magnum Mysterium' and 'Hodie Christus natus est' are some of our favorites, but it's hard to choose. Busto's nod to his hometown in the title in this fine collection is apropos, as all sacred music strives to bring us home. Lovely and touching choral works, by Javier Busto, one of the world's best conductor/composers.

Songlist: Himno A La Virgen, Ave Maria, Laudate Dominum, O Sacrum Convivium, Jubilate Deo, Ave Verum, Laudate Pueri, Soinuen Itsasoa, Sagastipean, Ametsetan, Porrusalda, A Tu Lado, Esta Tierra, Paso, O Magnum Mysterium, Hodie Christus Natus Est

Review: Founded in Gipuzkoa, Spain by famed Spanish composer/conductor Javier Busto, KCK is comprised of 18 female voices, in their middle to late teens. The internationally-known Busto's choirs have won first place awards in France, Italy, Austria and Germany. 'Javier Busto: Musika' is mostly Christian sacred music, and was recorded in Spain in 1995. The group's bright, clear sound is the perfect complement for these 24 lovely compositions. Some favorites are 'Kanta Cantemus,' the 3-part 'Hiru Eguberri Kanta,' 'Ave Maria,' 'Magnificat,' the beautiful 2-part 'Muxika,' 'Laudate Dominum,' 'The Lord is My Shepherd,' 'Alleluia,' the 5-part 'Gauaren Zergatiaren Bila,' 'Amodica' and 'For Us.' 'Musika' is a treat, an opportunity to hear the work of a master Spanish composer performed by his hand-picked choir.

Songlist: Kanta cantemus, Hiru eguberri kanta, No lloreis mis ojos, Ave Maria gratia plena, Salve regina, Magnificat, Muxika , Nere sukaldetxoan, Laudate Dominum, Responsorio, Popule meus, The Lord is my Shepherd, Alleluia

Review: Internationally acclaimed conductor, founder and composer Javier Busto directs his 18-strong women's choir in their 2nd excellent CD, 'Live.' Created in 1995 with the goal of enjoying the music written for female choirs, which has been achieved to their complete satisfaction, Kanta now has among their repertoire a number of beautiful pieces created for them. These include Christian sacred music by Busto, including the 4 movements of the 'Missa Augusta,' and his 'Alma Redemptoris Mater,' 'Responsorio de Navidad,' and 'Agur Maria.' Eva Ugalde's 'Tximeletak,' 'Uraren Besotik' and 'Annbel Lee,' some with piano accompaniment, are also lovely, as is Junkal Guerrero's 'Ave Maria.' These 20 lovely, soaring, mostly a cappella songs, highlighted by the bright, sweet, clear sound of KCK, are a treat to listen to. Close your eyes, settle back

Songlist: Missa Augusta , Ave Maria , Miserere , Alma redemptoris Mater , Ave Maria , Responsorio de Navidad , Oi Bethleem! , Tximeletak , Lili eder bat , Belatzarena , Kaia barrenean, Uraren besotik, Maritxu nora zoaz, Mila begi, Annbel Lee , Agur Maria