Press reviews

“Música Ficta offers an exquisite anthology of villancicos from the music archive of the Cathedral of Bogotá.... The voices are clear and sweet; the tenor and baritone blend perfectly. The singers take utmost care in the expressiveness of poems. The performers confer charm and color to the music. Abundant and exhaustive program notes in meticulous Spanish illustrate the musical apogee that took place in Colombia during the 17th and 18th centuries.”

“Colombian ensemble Música Ficta presents its second CD devoted to tonos humanos by José Marín. As usual with this Latin-American quartet, performance is more than expert. Jairo Serrano's voice is expressive and is supported by excellent instrumental accompaniment. Both these volumes are a first rate contribution to the knowledge of Spanish 17th century music and Marín's repertoire.”

“...rendered crisply by Música Ficta, this album will have an appeal beyond aficionados of the Spanish Renaissance.”

“Música Ficta transforms these tonos humanos into emotional stories. Jairo's tenor voice is well equipped to interpret these tonos. He possesses a clear and round tone that supports the urgency and poignancy these songs require. Carlos' agile, fluid and light recorder playing is a joy to hear. Regina Albanez' dynamic and imaginative playing is on full display. Tonos are expressed beautifully with careful attention to the text's meaning and harmonies. Vibrant lifelike sound. This CD was put together with care, scholarship, deep emotion, and attention to detail. The alchemy of Música Ficta is spellbinding.”

“...the music is ear-catching and marvelously performed, with a balance of exuberant and contemplative affects.”

“Jairo Serrano has a nice, light and agile voice, perfectly suited to the songs by Marín... lending his performances a strong sense of authenticity. The instrumentalists do a great job, supporting the singer and emphasizing the rhythms. This disc is a valuable addition to recordings focusing on one of the most brilliant composers of tonos humanos [José Marín], a genre that rightly receives the attention it deserves.”

“The playing of Carlos Serrano and Leonardo Cabo forms an integral part of the large ensemble pieces, they really shine. The stereo sound with excellent presence of each voice and instrument is beautiful.”

“Five world premier pieces make of this CD an eminent release.”

“An active rhythmic vitality characterizes all the music on this disc. All the musicians bring the music to life, leaving the listener wishing to hear this ensemble live. Excellent audio engineering. If this music appeals to you, you will certainly enjoy the other Música Ficta CDs.”

“A delightful collection of mostly premiere recordings. Clear sound, intimate feel. This disc should open ears to the hitherto unheard treasure of Spanish Baroque theatrical music. Highly recommended not only for being something unusual, but also for excellent performance giving substance to this interesting repertoire.”

“Jairo Serrano's attractive tenor voice suits the repertoire with which he is obviously very familiar; his knowledge of the characteristic Spanish zarzuela style and his clear diction make for very enjoyable listening.”

“...passionate and lively performances ...you can almost feel the physical presence of the performers in a natural sound environment.”

“...a vitality and enthusiasm very evident throughout everything they perform... the singing was superb throughout. I hope there will be more opportunities to hear the group perform this repertoire in the not too distant future.”

“I have been following Música Ficta for several years, and over time they have lost none of their vitality and curiosity... energetic and eclectic performances, providing a wonderfully timely framework. The voices are pure and precise. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you will find this very appealing. Highly recommended.”

“...refreshing and enjoyable, with excellent sound and performances in a wide variety of music.”

“Fresh and vigorous performances. A unique blend of scholarship and performance.”

“This recording is among the finest I have heard of this repertoire, and its inventiveness and liveliness are contagious.”

“Música Ficta sings and plays with contagious enthusiasm and verve.”

“Jairo Serrano's voice brings everything he sings to life. The lively performances of the songs, dances, and other pieces make it easy for the listener to imagine musical life in a South American city 300 years ago. Música Ficta's performances of European music compare easily with the best early music ensembles, and the syncopated energy of the New World folk music is revelatory.”

“Música Ficta offers a fascinating perspective on this Apollonian-Dionysian mixture of Latin American baroque, that musical apotheosis of feast and worship in which it is difficult to distinguish the adoration of the celestial from the earthly. For the listener there are many discoveries; the repertoire offered might well have been sought in vain until now. Despite the meticulous detail, the ensemble's performances avoid academic rigidity. There are good reasons for this recording to be nominated for an award.”

“A superb production... an extremely coherent and specialized ensemble... Vibrant presence and musical sensitivity. One of the best sounds heard among the vast number of recent productions. This CD definitely deserves a place of honor in the media library of the demanding audiophile and the respected enthusiast.”

“A superb album... that leaves me wanting more. This is a first-class production in every sense, one of the best I have heard this year, and must be acquired with urgency.”