Españoleta

Gaspar Sanz (Composer), Anonymous (Composer), Spanish Anonymous (Composer), Francisco Jose de Castro (Composer), Diego Fernandez de Huete (Composer), Diego Ortiz (Composer), Andrea Falconieri (Composer), Chatham Baroque (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Chatham Baroque
• Composer: Gaspar Sanz, Anonymous, Spanish Anonymous, Francisco Jose de Castro, Diego Fernandez de Huete, et al.
• Audio CD (June 13, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dorian Recordings
• ASIN: B00004T9VA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,044 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When most listeners think "Baroque," they probably don't consider the lively 17th-century dance music of Spain. But after hearing Chatham Baroque's Españoleta disc, you'll be hooked. The quartet--aided by the percussion of Danny Mallon and the harp of Becky Baxter--performs works by Diego Fernandez de Huete, Gaspar Sanz, and Ortiz, along with numerous anonymous composers. Though these compositions vary in style (the danzas were composed for nobility, while the bailes were bawdier numbers for the lower classes), they're musically similar and all are gorgeous. Chatham Baroque--Chatham College's Ensemble-in-Residence--perform these pieces with driving rhythms and a great melodic sensibility, and, unlike some early-music ensembles, they never sound clunky. For lovers of early music from Spain, this disc and Jordi Savall's Music from Christian and Jewish Spain should be required listening. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rousing & multilayered Spanish dances from the Baroque!, November 29, 2002

By 

Brianna Neal (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Españoleta (Audio CD)

This CD is Chatham Baroque's continental counterpart to their earlier and equally enjoyable release, "Sol y Sombra: Baroque Music of Latin America". Guest percussionist Danny Mallon provides spicy yet appropriate percussion, while Becky Baxter adds harp to the equation, an instrument highly favored by the Spaniards. Varying rhythms, Hispanic flourishes and the complimentary sounds of castanets and tambourine make this album a standout in the group's repertoire, and downright fun to listen to. Having grown up with much more somber interpretations of Baroque music, I smile every time I hear "Espanoleta!". Continuously. For 64 minutes and 17 seconds. (Hurts a little after a while, but it's worth it.) This is probably my favorite release by Chatham Baroque, though it is difficult to choose between them--they are all wonderful! If you like this CD, you'll also like "Sol y Sombra", as well as two lively recordings by harpist Andrew Lawrence-King and his consort: "Spanish Dances: Selections from `Luz y Norte' by Lucas Ruiz de Ribayaz--Madrid, 1677" and "Jacaras!: 18th Century Spanish Baroque Guitar Music of Santiago de Murcia". Becky Baxter, guest harpist on "Espanoleta!", has a solo release from Dorian called "O Lux Beata: Renaissance Harp Music", which is also fun, showcasing a variety of different harps and harping styles with an assortment of guest accompanists.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For a wonderful listening experience...., June 10, 2003

By 

Yoga Sponge "tech_nut" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Españoleta (Audio CD)

...I would strongly suggest queueing up this disc and letting it play-- again and again. It does not get stale!

Chatham Baroque's most engaging quality is the degree of pleasure with which they play their music: they seem to live it and feel it like no other early music group I know. When I listen to them, either in the privacy of my own home or their concert locales, it is the sense that these fine musicians are doing what they love-- and I am enriched by it! The thrill they get playing the music is transmitted to the listening experience.

The performances on this disk are so clear, clean and strong; the addition of the harp and percussion is a wonderful gift-- arranged to perfection-- and everyone gets to shine. This is music for a bright sunshine-filled mid-afternoon; a day when nothing in the world seems wrong.

The wonderful flavor of the Latin style of baroque is something you must hear to believe; the quality of the musicianship will be obvious. Do not hesitate to get yourself a copy-- and I think that if you listen to it on a gloomy, gray day, it would bring the warmth of a crisp sunny day to every room in your house.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viva Espanoleta!, June 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Españoleta (Audio CD)

The quality and content from Chatham Baroque just keeps getting better with every release. Esanoleta is lively, fresh and and a welcome addition to my baroque music collection. Scott Pauley has proven himself to be a true virtuoso in Baroque Guitar. A MUST BUY!