The hypnotic rhythms of Aztec drums and hautning sounds of Mesoamerican wind instruments blend with the seven voice of SAVAE in this companior recording to their bestselling "Guadalupe: Virgen de Los Indios." The music, d... more »ating from the mid-16th century reflects the unprecedentd vangelization that occurred as result of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the Nahua Inidan Juan Dieo in 1531.« less
The hypnotic rhythms of Aztec drums and hautning sounds of Mesoamerican wind instruments blend with the seven voice of SAVAE in this companior recording to their bestselling "Guadalupe: Virgen de Los Indios." The music, dating from the mid-16th century reflects the unprecedentd vangelization that occurred as result of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the Nahua Inidan Juan Dieo in 1531.
CD Reviews
The best of two worlds
princess luluchild | austin, texas | 11/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Renaissance music in the Mexican jungle? Yes indeed! Most of thest 16th century gems were written by a Nahua Indian who had converted to Catholicism and was trained by a Spanish chapel master on mission in Mexico. They will hold their own against any of the European masters of the time.Adding to their beauty is the inclusion of traditional Aztec rhythms and instrumentation, the rhythms taken from an Aztec document from the same era, and the instrumentation recreated from contemporary paintings.The real jewel on this recording, though, is a "magic" piece -- a hymn that was originally sung to the Mother Goddess of the Aztecs and then performed later as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. There was a text but no music. There was a rhythmic code. By overlaying the extremely complex (6+5+4) rhythm over the text, a rhyming pattern emerged in the text. By assigning pitches of the Aztec pentatonic scale to the onomotopoeic rhythmic clues, a melody was born -- an incredibly haunting melody that evokes a culture and a time long forgotten. This one piece alone is worth the price of the CD.The San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble (SAVAE) has done a consummately professional and reverential treatment of this music which truly speaks to the heart and spirit."
This will touch your heart. Amazing Sounds.
princess luluchild | 11/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an incredible sounding CD. This music was written over 450 years ago, but is as stirring and moving today as it was then. The San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble is true and pure with their heavenly voices. The moment I heard this on Colorado Public Radio yesterday, I knew I had to own it. Wow!"
Modern Aztec Interpretations
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 11/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music on this CD is in a word, ethereal. Beautiful choral music fused with Aztec instruments for a listening experience to not be forgotten nor matched in sheer beauty. The Nahuatl language is a joy to the ears, it speaks in whispers of a time long forgotten. The playing of indigenous Aztec instruments transports the listeners to another time period, a time without cars and planes, and the hectic schedules associated with modern times. Put this CD on and relax, it is hauntingly beautiful. The songs are all superb, inspiring one to transend the mundane to elevate to a higher plane. I don't know about 6+5+4 beats but I do know that the complex rhythmns astound the soul. The inspiration for this CD is La Virgen de Guadalupe and her grace must have bestowed supernatural powers on this recording because it is excellent. If you know of any devotees of La Virgen de Guadalupe this is an excellent choice to give them. The music is so different from anything you may have heard before. A revival of Aztec music, by a superb group of choral singers and musicians that is breathtaking. Put this CD on to listen to your inner sanctum, you might like what you hear, it is music for your soul. A real jewel, file this under inspiration."
SAVAE IS A HIDDEN TREASURE
J. Robitscher | Berkeley, CA United States | 08/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I did not know much about SAVAE or this recording until I attended the annual conference of the Hymn Society of the US and Canada, which met in San Antonio, TX this year. There, I had the wonderful experience of a workshop with several members of SAVAE, in which we sang and clapped the complex melodies and rhythms of the music, and were introduced to some of the indigenous language, as well as the various drums, stones and flutes they used for accompaniment. Later in the conference, we (some 300 of us) were treated to a sublime concert, which included some of the pieces on this recording. We also got to sight-read three pieces from their upcoming CD of Christmas music from the same era. I don't think they had ever performed before so larga and appreciative an audience. This group deserves to be discovered by lovers of Early Music everywhere!"
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1
