In the Baroque era (about 1700-1750) Mexico City was unrivaled in splendor and sophistication, where chapel masters in Mexican cathedrals were composing concerted vocal music of extraordinary beauty and elegance. Two names stand out: Manuel de Zumaya and Ignacio de Jerusalem. Chanticleer selected two of the most significant Mexican composers active in the first half of the eighteenth century and, in performances of outstanding quality, show that they are not merely pale imitations of their European counterparts, but have something original to say and the craftsmanship with which to say it. Both composers are very well served indeed by this fine recording, which we unreservedly recommend as a breath of fresh air to anyone with the slightest interest in the baroque and just as much to those who consider the baroque of little interest.