Fernandes, G: Viva Ignacio Viva

September 2005

*****

“…a heady mix of gloriously rich polyphony and manic, earthy villancicos (popular songs consisting of stanzas framed by a refrain, in Latin America often allied to richly syncopated dances). Skidmore has mined a rich vein of hitherto undiscovered music in libraries and churches of South America, and devised a dramatic Vespers service. The instrumental contribution throughout includes a kaleidoscope of strings, shawm, bagpipes, trumpet, tromba marina and more... Ex Cathedra more exhilaratingly uninhibited than I've heard before.”

“Skidmore and Ex Cathedra fill this album with some of the most alive, infectious and uplifting Baroque polyphony I’ve ever heard. The evangelical nature of this ‘ancient’ music has survived down the centuries, catching the ear with a force absent from so many compliations of early polyphony. A very special release”

“This second collection from Jeffrey Skidmore fizzes with excitement and energy and is every bit as engrossing as his first'”

“A CD bursting with fun and uplifting music. The liturgical items shine with melodic beauty and joy”

Daily Telegraph

“Ex Cathedra enter into the festive spirit with the infectious enthusiasm for this newly discovered treasure-trove that also pervades their crisp, stylish performances of the more sober pieces”

“Truly sublime ... all beautifully played, sung and recorded”

“Here is a truly wonderful disc, by reason of the splendours of the works chosen and the superbly controlled enthusiasm and skill of the performers … an absolute winner”

Cathedral Music

“The musicians of Ex Cathedra under Jeffrey Skidmore add further lustre to their reputation with some ravishing vocal and instrumental performances which are by turns exuberantly sophisticated and intensely moving in their simplicity. A short review cannot hope to do justice to this wonderful CD. Buy it!”