Ruiz de Ribayaz: Xaracas (Jacaras)

Constantinople’s ninth recording for ATMA, Terra Nostra is a musical journey into the sounds of 17th century Mexico. Joining Constantinople are Mexican guests and son Jarocho specialists José Angel Gutiérrez and Teresita de Jesus Islas. Masters of improvisation, Constantinople revisits the Xacaras, the Fandango and La Bamba and other traditional forms as they were performed almost 400 years ago.

Terra Nostra was inspired by a meeting of musical minds during a tour to Veracruz, Mexico. A random encounter with Gutiérrez and Jesus Islas in their village, Lerdo de Tejada, resulted in an exchange of musical traditions and ideas. The heritage and depth of the “old world” combined with the effervescence and openness of the 17th century “new world” gave birth to the Mexican Baroque. The result — a new form of music with extraordinary rhythmic vitality and stunning melodic virtuosity.