JATAKA TALES

These eighteen tales from the stories known collectively as the Jataka Tales extol such virtues as generosity, loyalty, courage and compassion. Reminiscent of Aesop in their instructive intent, they are nevertheless more solemn, humorless and remote. Reader Ellen Burstyn's voice does not seem especially suited to the Far-Eastern locale, nor does she seem entirely comfortable with the multi-syllabic names, pronouncing them just a shade too carefully to seem natural. Original music composed for strings, flutes and piano effectively punctuates and bridges the thematically linked tales. An interesting production for a limited audience. K.T.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JAN 94]