Jerusalem: Music in New Spain

Born in Naples, Ignacio Jerusalem became chapelmaster at the Cathedral of Mexico City in 1750. His music combines Italian-influenced melodicism with the forms of New Spanish church music. “Música en la Nueva España” showcases this diversity: a three-movement symphony for two violins and continuo is followed by the Marian arias “Si aleve fortuna,” “Qué dolor, qué desconsuelo,” and “Luna candidísima.” “Mi Dios, mi bien” is a duet for the Blessed Sacrament; “Ecce enim veritatem” sets a verse from the Miserere with obbligato violin and obbligato cello. The program concludes with the three-part Good Friday lamentation “Aleph. Ego vir videns paupertatem”.

The Orquesta Barroca de Sevilla performs under the direction of harpsichordist Alfonso Sebastián. Olalla Alemán and Lucía Caihuela sing the vocal parts. In individual works, flute and natural horns expand the string ensemble. According to the work list, “Qué dolor, qué desconsuelo,” “Mi Dios, mi bien,” and “Ecce enim veritatem” are world premieres.