MANUEL ARENZANA (1762-1821): Kyrie, fr Mass in D (for Puebla Cathedral)
Chorus & Orchestra of Mexico City/Benjamin Echenique, cond
Urtext CD-2010 (www.medieval.org)
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The performances are rough-and-ready, and the music lacking in the ultimate sophistication, but this album heralds the highly decorative liturgical celebrations which were common in Mexico in the 18th century. Compositions on a par with Leopold Mozart. Sufficient background documentation is provided in the enclosed booklet to provide additional diversion while listening.
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"Guadalupe - Virgen de los Indios"
FRANCISCO CAPILLAS (1608-1674): "Aufer a nobis iniquitates"
ANTONIO VALERIANO (1549-1605): "Nican Mopohua"
San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble
Iago CD-210 (moroneys.home.netcom.com) |
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A rudimentary attempt by a well-intentioned Texan ensemble to recreate some of the lovely religious vocal music by Mexican composers of the 16th and 17th century. Curiosity value, and of mostly parochial interest, though you 'get the idea', and there are some impressive pieces here.
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CARLOS SEIXAS (1704-1742): Kyrie, fr Mass in D; Communion Motet,
"Tantum ergo"
Lisbon Chamber Chorus; Norwegian Baroque Orchestra/Ketil Haugsand, cond
Virgin Classics CD-45115 (www.virginclassics.com)
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Superb performances of this gracious and dignified music from 18th century Lisbon. Seixas served the Portugese court as Cathedral organist, music director and teacher. An excellent introduction to his works, including some keyboard sonatas (a bit austere compared with Scarlatti...). Fine sound.
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ARVO PÄRT (b. 1935): Kyrie & Gloria, fr Berlin Mass 91990)
Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, organ (Ely Cathedral); Theatre of Voices/Paul Hillier, cond.
Harmonia Mundi USA CD-907242 (www.harmoniamundi.com)
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Pärt's cerebral minimalism has stood the test of the last two decades. Though sometimes his music seems a bit spare and repetitious, more often its cool detachment encourages some welcome moments of introspective reverie. Hillier and colleagues are true believers, and Harmonia Mundi delivers a quality product. Music to make time stand still.
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"Spanish Works for String Orchestra"
JOAQUIN RODRIGO (1901-1999): Canconeta
JOAN MANEN (1883-1971): Fuga, fr Miniatures
Chamber Orchestra of Andorra/Gerard Claret, cond
Nimbus CD-5570
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While the ensemble may not be up to Academy-of-St.-Martin-in-the-Fields standards, the music is. Other works by Turina and Grignon complement these listed here. Manen was a prolific and successful composer whose music is, mysteriously, totally unknown outside Spain. Well, until now. A good experience.
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"Chants et danses de l'Amérique du Sud"
FELIPE VILLANEUVA (1862-1893): Poetic Waltz
JOSE PABLO MONCAYO (1912-1958): Huyapango (Veracruz dance music)
Orchestre Philharmonique de Montpellier/Enrique Diemecke, cond
Actes CD-34104
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A live concert performance from 1997 brings this exotic repertoire to a French (and, via CD, international audience). Composers from Mexico and Argentina are favored, some are sentimental, others savory (hot sauce!), all delicious. Performances are 'regional orchestra' standard, but good-hearted and pleasant enough. I found the disc listed on the German "Amazon" website. Good luck; worth the hunt.
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"Chamber Music for Flute, Harp and Strings"
DAN LOCKLAIR (b. 1949): "Bars of Blues", fr "Dream Steps"
ARNOLD BAX (1883-1953): Elegiac Trio
Mallarme Chamber Players
Capstone CD-8638 (www.capstonerecords.org)
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Superbly rich and realistic recording of this highly capable ensemble. The music is lovely, and particularly the Bax evocation of mythic Ireland really touches the heart.
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SILVESTRE REVUELTAS (1899-1940): Janitzio
New Philharmonia Orchestra/Eduardo Mata, cond
RCA CD-63548
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The "Copland of Mexico", Revueltas established a truly nationalist voice for Mexican classical music. He earned international acclaim for his brashly colorful and memorable sound paintings, filled with sunlight and boisterous rhythm. Included here is the historic 1930's Stokowski recording of "Sensemaya" (and a newer version led by Mata), plus many concert, chamber and film scores. A centennial tribute. Important stuff, and exhilarating, too.
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HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959): String Quartet No. 3 (1916)
Cuarteto Latinoamericano
Dorian CD-90220 (www.dorian.com)
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Of international importance, Villa-Lobos brought attention to the new classical music of Brazil with his cosmopolitan blend of old-world skill and new-world flavors. This disc includes three pieces (Quartets 3, 8 and 14) spanning from 1916-1953, giving you a excellent idea of what this quirky, prolific genius was up to. Excellent sound.
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VILLA-LOBOS: Bachiana Brasileira No. 2 (movements 3 and 4)
Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra/Eduardo Mata, cond
Dorian CD-90179 (www.dorian.com)
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We lost an eloquent champion of music 'from south of the border" when Maestro Mata died in a plane crash a few years ago. His passionate and convincing interpretations of this album's music from Mexico and Brazil makes one wish for more (fortunatly, he made several other albums for Dorian prior to his demise....). Rich, flavorful, and a wonderful respite from Boccherini and Dittersdorf.
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