History was made onstage at Orchestra Hall on Sunday afternoon. For the first time, the early music group the Rose Ensemble collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra and the music transported the audience to the 18th-century Baroque era, but with a twist.
"Navidad en Cuba: Christmas in Havana Cathedral" focused on works of the Latin Baroque that blended the European style with indigenous influences. The Rose Ensemble has had experience with performing this repertoire for more than a decade and presented it with intelligence and flair.
There was an ensemble of about 20 instruments from the Minnesota Orchestra, supplemented by a Baroque harp and Baroque guitar. They provided the ideal level of support and enhancement of the vocalists.
The Rose Ensemble is used to performing in more intimate settings, but they filled the hall, singing with the true joy of the season.
The major work on the program was "Misa de Navidad (Mass of Christmas Day)" by Cuban native Esteban Salas y Castro. The work blended the rich harmonies and ornate decorations of the European tradition with melodies and rhythms of Latin folk music, adding another layer of lightness and joy.
This is a powerful, entertaining work that should be better known.
The men sang a cappella plainchant between the movements, re-creating the actual experience of hearing the work in a church setting.
The diverse program featured compositions from Bolivia, Peru and Guatemala, and even one from a Spanish mission in California. There was a piece sung in the original Aztec language, as well as one based on the music of African slaves.
