New World Symphonies - Baroque Music From Latin America

CD OF THE WEEK (CLASSIC FM)

'This is arguably the most original CD of the year, and it's generated a huge number of enquiries from Classic FM listeners. Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra have tapped a rich seam of baroque choral music ... Do not be put off by the unfamiliarity of the composers; this is wonderful music' (John Brunning, Classic FM Magazine)

'This is one of the most eye-opening CDs - or should I say ear-opening - that I have heard this year. What a magical concoction of sounds - and what brilliant playing!' (Henry Kelly, Classic FM)

"Though the disc's title might imply Classical repertoire, this wonderfully colourful collection puts the vivid vocal qualities of Jeffrey Skidmore's virtuoso choir Ex Cathedra into the foreground. Not that the instrumental contribution is in any way sidelined. As Skidmore says, the spread of Roman Catholicism brought with it an extraordinarily fertile injection of creativity - a noble counterpoint to the appalling acts of brutality meted out by the treasure-crazed conquistadors."
- Editor's Choice Gramophone Magazine (August 2003)

'this recording is highly recommended ... These are polished, emotionally engaged performances, brightly recorded, of fascinating, exciting repertoire' (Early Music Today)

'first rate' (Early Music Review)

'This is one of the most exciting releases I've seen in awhile ... The performance is flawless, with a wide range of emotional expression; the sound is excellent.' (American Record Guide)

'extremely rewarding, bringing yet further evidence of the richness of Latin American Baroque m usic ... the performances are very accomplished indeed ... splendid disc' (Fanfare)

'immaculately performed ... fascinating' (The Guardian)

Following the discovery of the Americas, Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church was established with incredible speed. Many of the Native Indians were part of highly sophisticated civilizations, most notably the Aztecs and the Incas, and were very responsive to the new ideas, especially music, which was already an important social and spiritual element in their lives. A staggering amount of music was subsequently created which, surprisingly, still remains little explored in today's global age.

This disc showcases some of the treasures from this important era in history, and includes works sung in Quechua (the language of the Incas) and Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs). Works such as Padilla's remarkable Missa Ego flos campi have elements of flowing polyphony from Old Spain combined with lively, often syncopated, short phrases reflecting New Spain. The instrumentation on this disc is also mesmerizing - many different instruments were used extensively, including recorders, chirimias, cornetts, sackbuts and bajons, frequently used to double or replace voices.

In the words of the conductor, Jeffrey Skidmore, this fascinating disc spanning the late 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries is "an inspiring beginners' guide to Baroque music and a spiritual devotion that has a relevance and function as important today as in the brave New World of South America all those years ago"