Latin American Passion

Like his later works based on Arab / Jewish themes, Osvaldo Golijov's La Pasion Segun San Marcos ( St Mark's Passion ) bears more resemblance to a prog rock concept album than to Bach. That in no way implies that it is of less relevance. The work is a South American take on the Passion but a modern South American take as opposed to what is becoming more familiar from the Latin American baroque period. The music includes salsa with screaming jazz influenced brass, lilting Cuban rhythms and guitars, more ancient candomble percussive effects and wistful folk strains from the mountain regions. The closest the piece comes to western classical music is in the second half with a solo violin accompaniment. The Passion does not deal in the role of Jesus and Evangelist but the chorus comments on behalf of all almost throughout. The ensemble is conducted by Maria Guinand, though many of the musicians manage to imply an improvisatory air to what they are doing. The mood is more one of carnival in many parts of the work, establishing the festive air of the mob. But eventually, the work resolves in a quiet and meditative extract in Aramaic from the Kaddish. Golijov brings the various strands of his familial background and upbringing to bear on the Passion story and it is a worthwhile and original addition to the tradition of such works.