Brazilian Adventures

Ex Cathedra, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor)
Hyperion CDA68114 

Jeffrey Skidmore is not the first musician to be charmed by the cultural riches and musical heritage of Brazil, and he won’t be the last, yet his visit has culminated in an unexpectedly touching and beautiful portrait of Brazilian early music that is sure to surprise even the most intrepid musical explorers. Brazilian Adventures is striking not only for its tender approach but also for the focus on later historical styles than one normally associates with these performers. The two masses are contemporary with late Haydn works and yet incorporate many late-baroque features whilst also harkening towards a softer, more intimate early-romantic sound. The movements of both masses are framed and separated by a selection of motets hinting at the huge variety of Brazilian music that still awaits modern performance.

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Gramophone November 2015