Mexico after the Spanish arrived saw a great deal of European art and culture being imported, including music from the great centres such as Venice. Not having harpsichords to hand, it became usual to use local instruments, vihuela and guitarron, for continuo. This policy is used here, and the sharp clear sound of the strings with the rhythmic base gives these works a new impetus and vitality. The Vivaldi pieces are fairly well known but the fine concertos by Facco were only discovered relatively recently.

R E V I E W: "Here, the traditional Mexican psaltery is an entirely satisfactory ‘local’ replacement for the mandolin, played with delicacy and fluency by Mexico’s leading virtuoso on the instrument, Daniel Armas. The other soloists are also excellent: the sopranino recorder is played with delightful virtuosity by the orchestra’s conductor, Miguel Lawrence, and the solo violin in the Facco concerti is sensitively played by Manuel Zogbi. These Mexican performers give a hint of how European music might have been interpreted in the New World in the 18th century."

-- Elizabeth Rees, The Consort