Latin American Baroque

There has been considerable interest in the last few years in music from the baroque period in Latin America. Imported from Spain, the music for mass took on certain native aspects in countries such as Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. There were also some secular works that were adapted to try and entice the native population into the church. I am aware of at least four ensembles who have been investigating this sub genre, Florilegium, the Harp Consort, Hesperion XXI and Ex Cathedra whose cd is up for discussion here, entitled New World Symphonies, Baroque Music From Latin America. There is some overlap in the material recorded since sources are still being discovered. Ex Cathedra's take is probably the least idiomatic, at times their Englishness is a little too apparent. Nevertheless, their enjoyment is clear and it is fascinating to trace the greater and lesser extent of the new world influences on the various pieces.