THE WISDOM OF BALTHASAR GRACIAN

Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658), a Spanish Jesuit priest and philosopher, fought censorship and advocated free speech. J. Leonard Kaye is a record producer who has woven Gracian's aphorisms into a biographical sketch of the priest. Gracian's wisdom, according to Kaye, was addressed to a fast-paced, stressful environment. Thus, it is particularly applicable to the 1990s. Unfortunately, much of the reading is accompanied by classical music which, at times, overwhelms the voice. The music also has long string selections which become grating. Otherwise, the program is excellent, as is the choice of F. Murray Abraham as reader. D.W.K. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR 93]