Music on this CD/DVD package delves into the musical frontiers heard in California missions and Mexican cathedrals 200 years ago. One third of the repertoire deals with processional pieces: parades and pageantry. Another t... more »hird is devoted to the Misa en sol, and the remaining third explores the fabulous music of America's Handel, the Mexican born Manuel de Sumaya. The 34 minute bonus DVD takes you behind the scenes fo these Mission era inspired performances with concert footage, interviews, and mission landscapes.« less
Music on this CD/DVD package delves into the musical frontiers heard in California missions and Mexican cathedrals 200 years ago. One third of the repertoire deals with processional pieces: parades and pageantry. Another third is devoted to the Misa en sol, and the remaining third explores the fabulous music of America's Handel, the Mexican born Manuel de Sumaya. The 34 minute bonus DVD takes you behind the scenes fo these Mission era inspired performances with concert footage, interviews, and mission landscapes.
"I had the great opportunity to listen and watch this wonderul masterpiece live at the Mission San Luis Obispo last spring! It is an absolutely amazing compilation, I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. It was made even more special as my wife and I sat at the mission we were married 10 years before listening one of our most favorite musical groups."
Reenactment of the Music of the California Missions
interested_observer | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chanticleer's "Mission Road" CD/DVD delivers excellent performances of eleven pieces originating in the New World and performed in the California Missions.
Five pieces are attributed to Juan Bautista Sancho, who worked out of Mission San Antonio de Padua (Central California), two pieces were by Manuel de Sumaya, who was at the Mexico City Cathedral, and four are from manuscripts once at the Mission Santa Clara de Asis (Santa Clara, CA) and now at The Bancroft Library. While the vocal lines were intact, some of the light instrumental accompanyment was composed afresh in correct period style.
The research on the music and the author of the detailed and informative essay in the CD/DVD's liner notes is by Dr. Craig H. Russell of California Polytechnic State University.
The DVD shows Chanticleer touring and performing at several missions, while interspersing interviews with Dr. Russell, Chanticleer members, and a Franciscan monk.
The only criticism is that there is no text of the words sung, which are mostly in Spanish, with some Latin.
Researching and reenacting the music of the past brings it back to life and increases our understanding of how it is that we are as we are. Chanticleer's performances and the recording are both first rate.
"
Outstanding!!
Cory S. Spotts | Mill Hall, PA USA | 12/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've long been a fan of Chanticleer. I own many of their recordings, and they're all outstanding, as well. Mission Road continues this tradition of excellence....of perfection.
I'm looking forward to seeing them in Februeary at Penn State!"
Breathtaking Music
Robert B. Meeker | Chicago | 09/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is pretty simple- buy this. It is hard to go wrong with anything this amazing group produces- especially the early music. Chanticleer- please do another album of this music!!
"
Chanticleer
Sharyn | California | 01/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this. Chanticleer is always good and this is especially good. The scenery is beautiful and goes well with the beautiful music."