The evocation of a bullfight in Salga el torillo hosquillo (in which the Matador is compared to the Virgin Mary) is thrilling in its energy and drama, and the contemplative serenity of Silencio is breathakingly beautiful … This is a terrific disc’ ( Gramophone) ‘It’s superbly performed … The most impressive element is the precision, blend and sonority of his singers in a splendid setting of Dixit Dominus. ‘Captures the essence of music informed by the assured grandeur of 16th-century Spanish music, tinged with the colour of native ‘Indian’ culture and often marked by vibrant echoes of the regions’ African slave communities … An unmissable release’ ( Classic FM Magazine, Vocal & Opera Disc of the Month) The instrumental contribution is equally distinguished, from sensitive continuo of sustained organ and more rhythmically engaging plucked strings, to a positive kaleidoscope of wind and brass in the larger numbers’ ( BBC Music Magazine, CD of the Month) A lovely and varied sonority is created by soloists emerging and returning from the 14-strong choir. ‘The performances throughout can hardly be faulted. Uplifting, and foot-tapping’ ( The Times) ‘Followers of Jeffrey Skidmore’s earlier excursions into the Latin American Baroque with his Ex Cathedra group should need no prompting to buy volume three … Nothing stifles the infectious spark of these mostly secular effusions by the 17th-century Juan de Araujo, cathedral organist in Bolivia. With beautifully varied instrumental support, Ex Cathedra turn it into a hauntingly beautiful processional’ ( The Guardian) The colourful, carefully paced sequence is interspersed with sections of an anonymous setting of the Quechua text Hanacpachap cussicuinin, a Marian hymn that is regarded as the oldest printed piece of polyphony from the Americas. ‘Skidmore and his choir … have included the largest of Araujo’s liturgical pieces, an imposing Dixit Dominus in eight parts. The final line of Dime, amor gives the recording its title and conjures up the passion and dramatic contrasts of the music. ‘For fire burning in snow is the effect of love’. Particularly featured on this disc is the rhythmically arresting music of Juan de Araujo with his settings of wonderfully evocative, indigenous, imagery. ![]() Ex Cathedra Consort and Baroque Ensemble revel in a third programme of the exuberant Latin American Baroque repertoire for which the group has received rapturous acclaim.
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