Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad en Verano; Navidad Nuestra

Too polished, lost in sense

When I heard the Misa Criolla first time over classical music radio station in mid 60s, I had to ran to the record shop and buy LP. It was the Philips recording of Los Fronterizos and soloists, Ariel Ramirez conducting. It sold the more than 3 million copies worldwide. Jose's CD came out later, and I was very disappointed, may be played once. No comparison to the Los Fronterizos. Jose's is too sofisticated, too polished, interesting instrumentation but no original folk strength. I strongly suggest the reissue of original one, though it is an Argentine press and no lyrics posted in the Spanish-only liner note, it is a far better choice. If you doubt, go to internet and play the videos of different soloists, including Jose. You will agree. October 21, 2008

This Misa is a definite miss.

I have always loved the original 1960's LP version of Misa Criolla by Los Fronterizos, but it had been unavailable for years. I bought this CD version by Jose Careras, but was utterly disappointed by the almost "operatic" approach to what is supposed to be an earthy peasant mass. It just doesn't work.
Fortunately, the wonderful original version, digitally remastered, is now available on CD. It has a simple purple and black image of the crucifixion on the cover (see the second of the small customer images above) instead of the original orange 1960's LP cover , but is in every other way the definitive recording of this wonderful piece.
Look for it on Amazon and buy it - you'll love it! October 19, 2007

Singing from the Soul

This recording was made in a small village church in Spain, well known for its wonderful accoustics.

If any classical music lover can fail to enjoy this, it's beyond my understanding. Does the fact that José Carreras is a world famous opera star give everything he sings a touch of glamour which lessons the originality of, as in this case, the Argentinian and Hispano-American regional rythms? Actually both Argentina, Bolivia and Peru are referred to in the introduction inside the CD cover.

In my opinion it's the simple songs - I have heard him in relatively unknown Spanish and German very soft and peaceful songs - which show Carreras at his best.

So also in Misa Criolla. The more quiet passages suit his voice to perfection. But the whole record is wonderful. Everything has been done to stay true to the originality of this music. Instruments were especially brought from Argentina. And both the choice of the curch (the Santuario de la Bien Aparecida, Cantabria, Spain) and the choir (the Sociedad Choral de Bilbabo) add to the perfect presentation of the music by Ramirez.

I saw a television program from the recording in Spain. The dedication not only by Carreras himself, but the musicians and all the singers, was as impressive as it was moving and a joy to witness.

I admit that José Carreras has the loveliest voice I know. His lyrical tenor goes straight to my heart. To me a tenor does not have to sing out with the highest and strongest of voices which seem to so often be considered the top achievement by tenors.

I'm not alone. Herbert von Karajan favoured Carreras as well. Do listen to José Carreras' version of the "Flower Aria" from Carmen in a recording conducted by von Karajan in Berlin in 1984. There is no crescendo ending here. Instead those last tones disappear slowly, slowly into the slightest touch of a whisper. The clearest bells softly tuning out.

In Misa Criolla listen to track 5 "Agnus Dei". In "Navidad Nuestra" track 9, "El Nacimiento" is incredibly beautiful.

I have been told that Spain has no real Christmas carols and that Misa Criolla can be viewed as exactly that. Or rather in particular "Navidad en Verano" (track 6), written for a tenor solo and a mixed choir of 5 voices. A Christmas song praying for peace on earth, an earth which is warm yet covered with snow.

A wonderful Christmas present - or simply a lovely gift - for music lovers. September 14, 2007

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS CLASSICALLY BASED RENDITION TRY MERCEDES SOSA

even if the original all-out version is no longer available, perhaps you will find the Mercedes Sosa version a little moree to your earthy and real liking than the finely tempered but dying Carreras. Indeed this version is tuned more to the silent solitary halls than the living streets and barrios of mi pueblo. September 11, 2006

Misa Criolla

Having heard snatches of this music on Classic FM, I was keen to hear the whole album. I was not disappointed - the beautiful voice of Jose Carreras was more than adequately supported by the Sociedad Choral de Bilbao.

Top marks for this composition from Ariel Ramirez - altogether a spiritually uplifting experience.

February 23, 2006

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