Search - Xviii-21 Musique Des Lumieres, Frisch :: Negro Spirituals of the Brazilian Baroque

Provocative, interesting, curiosity, excellent ...

M. J. Smith | Seattle, WA USA | 02/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes admit that the title to this cd is perhaps "ethnomusicalogically incorrect" - the musical equivalent to politically incorrect. They then argue for a parallel between the US slave populations' adaptation of the protestant/reform psalters and hymnals of the north to the Brazilan black's adaptation of the Catholic music - baroque, etc.If you have any interest in baroque music, this should be sufficient motivation to listen to this collection. Four of the pieces are, in fact, liturgical. The Te Deum includes Gregorian chant interleaved with a very baroque vocal quartet accompanied by strings and horns. The Magnificat by Joao Rodrigues Esteves has splendid blending of voices with splendid instrumental support from the horns.Much of the music of the era has been lost so the collection takes liberties. The sonata for organ is of Portuguese origins and was "probably" known in Braziel. Be that as it may, the inclusion provides a contemporary backdrop to hear what is common between the "negro (black)" and colonial musical sensitivities. The second instrumental piece, composer unknown, is "probably" from an Indian (native) composer - this piece, while very enjoyable, diverges further from the program implied by the title and, according to the liner notes, has had horns added to emphasize its' relationship to the other music. For authenticity, I have a bit of a problem with this.Nonetheless, this is a wonderful album from the obscure corners of baroque music - well worth your time."