Search - Araujo, Garrido, Ensemble Elyma :: L'Or Et L'Argent Du Haut-Perou

Araujo: A neglected master

Russ | Richmond, VA | 11/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became familiar with Juan de Araujo (1646-1712) through Hyperion's two Latin American baroque music anthologies: "Moon, Sun & All Things" and "New World Symphonies." As evidenced by the selections on those releases, Araujo was a first-rate composer, despite being unknown today. As a bit of background, Araujo left Spain for South America during childhood. Early in life, Araujo composed in Peru and Panama, before accepting the position of choirmaster at La Plata Cathedral (located in present-day Bolivia, but known as "Upper Peru" during the colonial period). Sources suggest that the choir and orchestra at La Plata, primarily funded through the mining of precious metals, were equal to the finest European ensembles. And thus, we have the title of this release (English translation): "Gold and Silver in High-Peru."



Of course, the only thing you need to know is that this program, featuring some of the sacred works of Araujo, is that the music is fantastic. Many of Araujo's compositions were composed in the lively villancico style. These are extraverted pieces, full of energetic polyphonic choral writing, surprising syncopations and colorful orchestration, including recorders, sackbuts, lutes, percussion and a harp. Yet, several of the selections contain lovely melancholic reflections, suggesting a level of sophistication absent from other music from this period. This program concludes with two transcendent lamentations, which serve to contrast against the spirited, dance-like villancicos. An excellent performance by the Ensemble Elyma rounds out this highly attractive package.



In summary, this release is yet another piece of evidence indicating that Araujo's obscurity is unwarranted. If you enjoyed the baroque music anthologies mentioned above, or consider yourself a fan of the late renaissance period, you will enjoy this. If you missed either "Moon, Sun & All Things" or "New World Symphonies," I would acquire those first on the basis that they contain more variety.



Highly recommended.



TT: 66:53"