Search - Ignacio Jerusalem y Stella, Manuel de Zumaya, Chanticleer :: Mexican Baroque

This cd blew me off my feet!

imperatorsean | Pueblo, CO United States | 11/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I almost didn't buy this cd. I was a little skeptical about the title. I had never heard of Mexican Baroque (New Spain) composers. I was totally shocked, surprised, and ecstatic that I bought this cd. The very first piece by de Jerusalem was sooo beautiful that I played it over and over and over again. A fellow reviewer said that #21, the Lamentations are worth the price alone. I couldn't agree more. It is a deeply beautiful and moving peace that instantly reminds me of Gregorio Allegri's Misere Mei, Deus as well as Versa est in Luctum by Alonso Lobo (another fine peace at often times passed over) This music truly does rival Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi in terms of beauty. I am glad that I was adventerous enough to buy a cd I normally would not have even considered. BUY IT--YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!"

Baroque vocal not to be believed!

Jon Torodash | Wilmington, DE USA | 10/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was one of the first people ever to hear this music in a commercial venue, when Chanticleer and the Janus Ensemble performed selections from Mexican Baroque in NYC back in 1996. The CD does not disappoint. The two composers featured were extremely well versed in the Baroque style recognizable in the European masters with a definite Iberian flare.



The polyphonies of Zumaya in "Sol-fa de Pedro" in particular, I would be so bold as to say, rival any of Bach's or Handel's in their harmoniously complexities. The Lamentations are beautifully executed, and I think it really takes a very fluid sounding ensemble like Chanticleer to do them justice. The solo parts were not overly pronounced in this melancholy masterpiece which shines by virtue its several seemless transitions as each soloist faded in and out of the choir.



De Jerusalem I thought took a clear second place, but his work is absolutely beautiful regardless. The imitative counterpoint in the opening track is absolutely enchanting. His rendition of Dixit Dominus is yet another unique musical interpretation of this popular Psalm though the opening is somewhat lighter than the majestic and austere power familiar in Monteverdi's or Handel's versions. The monody of the "Virgam Virtutis" has a touch of "recitative" to it: the 'Tuba Mirum" of Mozart's Requiem comes to mind. "Iudicabit" is a torrential rush of strings and voice that word paints its subject in a forceful and energetic without the typical Baroque severity. The "Gloria" posesses many of the same vocal qualities as Zumaya's Lamentations, but with instrumental parts. The joyous "Amen" choral caps off the vesper with a suitable finale for this work. In 9.1 minutes, Jerusalem sports a tremendous range of musical talent which, acording to my meager musical education, has hints of the classical elements that begin to appear in the mid 18th century when the composer lived.



As other reviewers have said, you will not regret your purchase."

Chanticleer at their best!

Rebecca M | Somerville, MA USA | 12/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is phenomenal! Just when you get used to hearing Chanticleer sing a cappella, they come out with a CD of Baroque music with a marvelous sinfonia!
Track 21, the Lamentations of Jeremiah is worth the price of admission by itself. The sonorities are passionate and moving. This album does much to bring to recognition to marvelous creations of "New Spain" during the Baroque Era. If you haven't heard any of this music, buy this album as an amazing introduction."