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NEW WORLD SYMPHONIES

£14.00

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Los coflades
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Take a voyage of discovery into the hidden treasures of 17th century Latin America where European, African and South American cultures combined to create a colourful fusion of musical styles; from the brilliant villancicos of Araujo to Zipoli’s uninhibited and exuberant Missa San Ignacio. Ex Cathedra’s new release for Hyperion New World Symphonies – is a sumptuous feast of Latin American choral music from the Baroque era

Following the discovery of the Americas, Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church were established with incredible momentum. 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 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 including recorders, chirimias, cornetts, sackbuts, bajóns, frequently used to double or replace voices.

Jeffrey Skidmore said “this disc is an inspiring beginner’s guide to Baroque music and a spiritual devotion that has a relevance and and function as important today as in the brave New World of South America all those years ago”.

"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
Henry Kelly’s CD of the week

“Ex Cathedra has unearthed some magnificent music here; there are plenty of fascinating discoveries performed with great feeling and panache, and with potent seasong from the period instruments. The disc has the makings of a bestseller, and certainly deserves to be”
Geoffrey Norris, The Telegraph
The Telegraph’s CD of the Week

“choral music of the most vibrant quality imaginable, performed by Ex Cathedra with equally vigorous zeal…unmissable “ * * * * *
Christopher Morley, The Birmingham Post

“Terrific music, terrific singing.”
Geoff Brown, The Times