Customer Reviews

Jerusalem: Matins for the Virgin of Guadalupe, 1764

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The Maitines para Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, by Ignacio de Jerusalém, receives on this recording its first performance since two hundred years ago. Music lovers must be very thankful to Chanticleer for their interest in reviving works from the Mexican Baroque. Matins (a religious service that was performed in the Roman Catholic Church in the early hours of the morning)were a vehicle for composers in the New Spain to showcase their skill using texts of different moods. These Matins in particular, for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, bear ressemblance to the early Catholic works by Handel, where a capella chant was alternated with elaborate solo and choral movements with orchestra. Jerusalem, an Italian composer established in Mexico by 1742, borrowed music from other composers for his services: Beatam me dicent omnes is by Giacomo Rust and there are two wonderful works by Manuel de Sumaya. These two pieces, "Albricias mortales" and "Angélicas milicias" are in my opinion, the most interesting works of the CD. With their poetic Spanish texts and baroque polyphony, they illustrate the situation of Latin America during that period: great European influence with a new conscience of being part of another new reality, something similar to the literary work of the great Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. The choral and orchestral forces of Chanticleer perform with such beauty and expression that it is difficult that even Jerusalem could have imagined that this work could sound so great. I hope Chanticleer continue to revive great works from Latin America.

Jerusalem's music sounds like Handel sometimes, like Bach sometimes, like Vivaldi sometimes, like Haydn sometimes, and a few times even anticipates Beethoven--but his is almost always himself. For a man who spent most of his career at the edge of the 'civilized' world, he was remarkably up-to-date. He has produced a unique contribution to Western art music.

The performance also is excellent. I can't flaw what has been done here. I would like to see some other groups, however, tackle it--if only for comparison's sake.

I bought this CD a while ago, but I still listen to it frequently. The singing is impeccable. They sing beautifully in the Baroque style, the voices in the unison chants blend like they are one, and the contertenors are angelic. One thing that I especially like is the fact that they do an entire Matins service, and that is actually cohesive. One can clearly picture this being sung at a Matins service two centuries ago. Overall, this is truly a moving musical experience.

This is exquisite music, and all the more remarkable when one realizes it has lain dormant for 2 centuries until discovered in 1997. I have played this CD at least once a day since it was received as a gift a month ago. It has an almost hauntingly evocative quality. Here's hoping that more of Jerusalem's work is uncovered!

THE BEST OF 'EASY LISTENING' PRESENTED BY CHANTICLEER.

"On December 9, 1531, the indian neophyte Juan Diego was lured to mount tepeyas by the sound of stunning music. He made his way to the top, where the Virgin of guadalupe appeared to him in radiant splendor. In 1764, Ignacio de Jerusalem, chapel master of mexico city cathedral, composed his matins for the Virgin of Guadalupe. In 1997, this work, which had not been heard for almost two centuries, was performed and recorded by Chanticleer".

During Jerusalem's lifetime (1707-1769), while aspiring composers in Italy were writing operas, their Latin American counterparts were foucused on the writing of Matins, a Roman Catholic service traditionaly performed in the early morning. It provided a plethora of opportunities to display compositional skills using a wide variety of textures and styles. After the Invitatory and Hymn, the service continued with three Nocturns-equivalent in magnitude to an act in an opera- that were constructed of monophonic Psalms in chant, intoned lessons that could preach a story, and sets of Responsories that combined voices with instruments. The final Responsory was frequently replaced by an extended setting of the Te Deum, which could bring the Matin service to a close. In fact Jerusalem's Te Deum was so popular at the time that the Cathedral Librarian complained that the parts were "badly worn"

The remaining work on this disc are by Jerusalem's predecessor-the brilliant Manuel de Sumaya(1678-1755).

There is no doubt that this is an extremely attractive set of pieces with solos, duets, trios, quartets and of course, full chorus. The voices of Chanticleer make quality sounds and sing all of this with great vigor and enthusiasm. When I first acquired this CD I listened to it constantly because it was 'different' and 'easy' to do so. However, I have to say, that like Broadway tunes, one must take a 'break' from them from time to time. Whereas when I listen to Palestrina or Byrd etc. there is never any 'saturation'. However, having said all of this, I would not want to do without having this in my listening library.

Chanticleer is a full-time classical vocal ensemble in the United States, and we're proud to own them, for just like their British counterpoints, the King Singers, perfection is their name. They sing from Renaissance to Jazz, and do it all very well indeed!!! Their name, by the way, was taken from the 'clear singing' rooster in Chaucer's Canterbury tales. The personnel changes from time to time so I'm going to list who they are on this disc because I like to know to whom I'm listening: Christopher Fritzsche,Corey McKnight,Jay White are Sopranos; Kenneth Fitch,Michael Lichtenaur,Philip Wilder are altos; Kevin Baum, Tim Krol,David Munderlich are tenors; Eric Alatorre, Frank Albinder,Chad Runyon are baritones and basses. This disc was made in July,1997.

Such a wonderful treat for this Baroque junky! A pity that they did not include the full text of the music, though.

A touching revival of an old masterpiece. Like an antique restorer, Chanticleer's painstaking search lands them a treasure. They have resuscitated a lost relic with careful research and study of its original form and have skillfully presented a restored antiquity. What was once lost is now found. Perhaps one December 12 day (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) we will hear this sung in a Church.

If you like Baroque music, this will quickly become one of your favorite CDs. I discovered this at Borders and loved it. Baroque fans, do not be turned off by the title- the music is glorious. I don't understand a word of Latin but it doesn't matter a bit- The music and singing is nothing short of magnificent! - Also try Mexican Baroque by Chanticleer

This recording, is a five stars in all aspects, I am
sure that many European baroque composers wish they
could of have sign their names, on the original manuscript
of this work. This recording, and the music are so
good, that it leaves me little to say or write...