Spirit of Mexican Baroque

Andrew Lawrence-King, the early music specialist and historic harp connoisseur, is also known to be an esteemed conductor and the most prolific recording harpist in the world. This summer the people of Riga will be able to witness his performance first-hand: as a part of the Early Music Festival concert programme Baroque Masterpieces of Mexico, the legendary musician will meet with the Latvian Radio choir, tempered in various genres of music; and professional chamber musicians whose fields of specialty include various percussion instruments, the bassoon, the baroque guitar, and keyboard instruments… This refined company will bring to life baroque music from Mexico that is very unfamiliar to Latvians, and reflects not only the staple Latin American temper, hotblooded rhythms and heart-rending sorrow, but also references to the rich culture of Africa and musical traditions of Europe, especially Spain. And in these performances, works of a religious theme intertwine with secular sound art, parts of a mass resonate with striking dances or ballads, and deep solemnity is juxtaposed with a spark of humour and the high art of parody.

Programme

Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla, Gaspar Fernandes, Santiago de Murcia, Luys Milán and others.

Participants

Andrew Lawrence-King, baroque harpm leader
Eero Palviainen, baroque guitar
Jānis Semjonovs, bassoon
Mikus Bāliņš, percussion
Aigars Reinis, positive organ
The Latvian Radio choir

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