Al Combate: Rediscovered Galant Music from Eighteenth-Century Mexico

Featuring

Javier Jose Mendoza
Elda Peralta
Eleanor Ranney-Mendoza
Sandro Naglia
Alexander Edgemon
Vince Wallace

Chicago Arts Orchestra
Chicago Arts Chorale
Ignacio Jerusalem y Stella
Santiago Billoni

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Historical Context

This album features rediscovered galant music from 18th-century Mexico, a period when Spanish American viceroyalties supported mature colonial cultures economically and culturally aligned with Southern Europe.

Composition History

Jerusalem's Al Combate, the title work of this recording, is the single largest piece of secular music known to survive from 18th-century New Spain, written in 1760 to honor King Charles III of Spain.

Recording & Production

The Chicago Arts Orchestra initiated the Rediscovered Treasures Concert Series in collaboration with musicologists Drew Edward Davies and Dianne Lehmann Goldman to resurrect works from 18th-century New Spain.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The galant style, dominant in Europe between 1720 and 1780, sought clear textures and lyrical melodies, and was cultivated throughout Europe and its overseas possessions, including New Spain.

Historical Context

In 18th-century New Spain (colonial Mexico), the primary patron of elite orchestral and choral music was the church, unlike much of Europe.

Composer Biography

Ignacio Jerusalem (1707-1769) and Santiago Billoni (c1700-c1763), both Italian-born composers, forged musical careers in New Spain and significantly influenced the modernization of New Spanish church music.