Keep your eye on the new Classical Music CD bin

In the spring of 2006, The Urbana Free Library received a major bequest of Baroque and other early instrumental music on CD from Joan Marie Thomas. This gift of over 1,200 CDs is a comprehensive collection ranging from the well-known to the truly obscure. The cataloging of this collection is proceeding slowly but surely; the current box being processed is especially rich in medieval dance music. My latest favorite is Danca Amorosa by Modo Antiquo. This is Italian dance music of the 16th century, but to my ears, it sounded surprisingly modern. Rhythm and harmony both are somewhat reminiscent of modern Celtic music; I found it both compelling and hypnotic. Check 'em out - these CDs are not just for specialists.