La Fontegara Mexico - Arca de Musica: Instrumental Music in New Spain, Vol. 1 (Mid 18th Century Manuscripts) (2017) [Hi-Res]

The first volume of La Fontegara México's Arca de Música, a survey of instrumental music performed in New Spain, explores early to mid-18th century manuscripts of chamber music by Pietro Locatelli and Santiago de Murcia, which have been preserved in the Códice Saldívar No. 4; works by Antoine Mahaut and Leonardo Leo, from an undated notebook in the collection of the Cathedral of Mexico; and two anonymous pieces held by the library of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The group has also transcribed some of the music for its own instrumentation, which consists of recorder, transverse flute, viola da gamba, Baroque cello, harpsichord, theorbo, and Baroque guitar. The music is sophisticated and refined, and the performances are stylistically quite close to what would be expected of any European ensemble of the time, though some of the exotic flavor of the New World is apparent in the anonymous Seguidillas, or the Gaitas from the Códice. The polish and virtuosity of these performances make this disc a charming diversion for casual listeners, though those interested in the historical background will be delighted to discover this seldom-played repertoire and its place in Mexican music history. Meridian's sound is clear and intimate, so the warmth of the playing comes across along with its sparkle.