Another enterprising and imaginatively conceived volume in Paniagua’s continuing Cantigas series. This repertory is certainly one of the most challenging of all if one considers it as a whole, and there are clearly things concerning which Paniagua has had to take overall decisions concerning performance-such as the use of declamation, for example-in order to be consistent and to keep within a reasonable time limit. In general the solutions adopted work well, providing more than sufficient variety of approach to maintain one’s interest (if one actually sets out to listen to a whole 60-70 minute’s worth of cantigas, of course).

The weakest element in this recording is certainly the contribution made by the two female voices, who seem simply to lack presence. This is related, however, to the fact that these performances seem to be fundamentally instrumentally conceived. The instrumental work, often showing a pronounced Arab influence is, indeed, very good: listen, for example to tracks 2, CSM 293, and 9, CSM 92 (I cannot, though, recommend the bizarre tromba marina crescendi in track 10!). The problems occur when the voices have to fight against the instrumental contributions, as is the case with tracks 2 and 3. The tenor César Carazo, however, who possesses a beautiful voice and a clarity of diction which eludes both the sopranos and the countertenor Luis Vincent, makes the music his own. His rendition of CSM 219 (track 7) in particular is magnificent, every word comprehensible and sung with an infectious folk-like freshness. Another highlight, this time with the full vocal ensemble, is track 4, CSM 335, whose melody is astoundingly beautiful and clearly inspires the group to give of their best. In sum, anyone interested in the Cantigas should have this disc. Nobody else has come anywhere near this. IVAN MOODY