Welcome to our third volume of Bolivian Baroque music which was, unusually, recorded in three different venues, in two different countries almost 6250 miles apart. This time the majority of the cd was recorded in Holland during Arakaendar Bolivia Choir’s first tour of Europe with Florilegium in 2008. In addition we have included a number of solo organ pieces from the Bolivian archives which James Johnstone recorded on the restored anonymous 18th century Blockwerk organ in the Mission Church of Santa Ana de Chiquitos. This is the first European recording on this remarkable instrument, its raw sound recorded here for posterity.
“The sound is captivating - wholly unmannered, fresh-toned and inexhaustibly animated...Their commitment, enjoyment and communication is palpable...the music itself is totally absorbing from beginning to end.” BBC Music Magazine, April 2010 *****
“Florilegium plays some chamber instrumental works with customary finesse...The Bolivian singers demonstrate a warm choral sonority and soft solo singing...There isn't a dull moment during the disc's hour-long duration, and plenty of musical subtleties and novelties to intrigue the ear.” Gramophone Magazine, May 2010
“a lively, nicely varied sequence, mostly of works showcasing Solomon's excellent Arakaender choir” The Guardian, 15th January 2010 ****
“Florilegium [offer] multiple refreshments and discoveries. There are choral settings, gently joyful, with the fresh-voiced Arakaendar Bolivia Choir; well-behaved chamber pieces; and several solos on the one surviving missionary church organ, bracingly raw.” The Times, 27th February 2010 ****
BBC Music Magazine
