Hesperion XXI, Jordi Savall - Villancicos y Danzas Criollas: de la Iberia Antigua al Nuevo Mundo (2003)

Villancicos y Danzas Criollas is a homage to the cultural traditions of Iberia and Ibero-America, showing the influence of European traditions in the Americas. The Villancico (also called Chanzoneta) is a form of poetry that was adopted for use in secular songs and, in the 17th century, for Christmas carols (the modern usage of the word denotes a carol). The secular songs were gradually replaced by the Romance while the Christmas carol form became more popular. The typical lyrics of villancicos have two or three stanzas followed by a refrain. The most religious-oriented villancico of this collection is Hanacpachap Cussicuinin (from Lima) where the author asks for their prayer to be answered.

The transmission of musical culture is a favorite (and fascinating) subject for Jordi Savall and this CD includes some beautiful and rousing music. The CD begins with four selections reflecting Iberian music that sets the stage of presenting a song (usually) followed by a dance. Following this introduction we are off the Americas and music from Peru, Guatemala and Mexico.

As pointed out in the booklet, the colonial expansion that took place during the 15th and 16th centuries widen cultural connections to include Africa, Asia and the Americas, which is reflected in this collection of music. One will discover a mixing of African dance rhythms and percussion with European polyphony. This is nicely demonstrated by the first selection with its strong use of drums and bold brass playing combined with a fast-paced dance melody and mixed voices. The second work, by an anonymous composer, is quite a contrast with its more restrained and courtly rhythms played by string instruments without the percussion or brass. The Hanacpachap Cussicuinin is scored for percussion, brass and voices sounding like a solemn funeral procession and is followed by a beautifully played piece for harp and percussion from Mexico. The incomparable Montserrat Figueras sings with peerless passion and beauty, particularly in the short Tono Hidalgo of Juan Hidalgo. One could go on and on extolling the wonderful music of this CD, suffice it to say that among my collection of early music discs this one is at the top.

As with all of Jordi Savall's recordings the performance is excellent and beautifully balanced with voices and instruments receiving equal emphasis. If you do not have this disc and love early music get it without hesitation.