Archivo de Guatemala: Music from the Guatemala City Cathedral Archive

Is it acceptable to tap your toe in church? This fascinating and often enchanting collection of music brought to life from the Guatemala City Cathedral Archive will make it hard to resist. In the late 1700s, the Spanish ensured that the music of their colonies was kept up to date, and it flowed across the Atlantic. Native Guatemalan composers, such as Castellanos and Quirós, offered an intoxicating blend, often weaving dance into their sacred music. US guitarist Richard Savino and the group El Mundo give vibrant performances of works often filled with thrilling rhythmic life. There’s even more charm when voices are involved. Atmospherically recorded, this is an excellent window into the riches of baroque and pre-classical music from South America.