Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Confessions of a reviewer: I listened to this all the way through during a car journey. The CD lasts for 70 minutes during which time I managed less than 30 miles. I enjoyed the music and used the repeat button more than once to have a second listen at some pieces. And now, sitting at my desk, I cannot remember any of it other than some good playing on what sounded like period instruments. Quick check in the CD booklet and, yes, it was a theorbo I was hearing. Even Naxos seem unsure how to label this as they have put it under two classifications: "Spanish Classics" and "Early Music". Juan García de Salazar was certainly Spanish. His music looks back to earlier times although he also has more than a touch of the baroque about him. The music on offer is not an exact liturgical reconstruction but does present a coherent musical programme for a contemporary Vespers service for Our Lady, based on extant works by Salazar preserved in the Cathedral of Zamora. The singing is competent throughout and it is a pleasant enough way to spend five pounds and 70 minutes.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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