The Mexican Baroque Orchestra uses a vihuela and guitarrón from traditional Mexican mariachi music for its basso continuo, alongside the harpsichord.
Composer Biography
Giacomo Facco, the composer, was born to farmers in Marsango, Italy, and later moved to Sicily before arriving at the Spanish Court.
Composition History
Giacomo Facco's Pensieri Adriarmonici, a collection of twelve concertos, is considered his magnum opus and among the first concertos for solo violin.
Composer Biography
Giacomo Facco became Master of the Royal Chapel in Spain and music-teacher to three princes who would later become kings: Luis I, Fernando VI, and Carlos III.
Performer Biography
Miguel Lawrence, the director of the Mexican Baroque Orchestra, formed the ensemble in 2010 specifically to perform the music of Giacomo Facco.
Instruments
The vihuela and guitarrón, used by the Mexican Baroque Orchestra, originated in Mexico during colonial times and were likely created to play basso continuo for Baroque music brought to Mexico.
Interpretation
The Mexican Baroque Orchestra aims to achieve its own 'Mexican version of the Baroque sound' by emphasizing the rhythmic role of the basso continuo, using the strong sound of the vihuela and guitarrón.
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