Jose Carreras Collection - Arias & Misa Criolla

The Second Vatican Council, convened between 1962 and 1965 in Rome at the invitation of Pope John XXIII, decided that masses no longer had to be sung exclusively in Latin but could also be celebrated in the local language of each country concerned. The response from musicians all over the world was as spontaneous as it was varied.

The most lasting success was enjoyed by the "Misa Criolla", a work conceived by Ramirez as far back as 1963 that became popular all over the world following its first performance in Buenos Aires. It is a highly individual blend of musical inspiration, superb craftsmanship, deep religiosity and a profound knowledge of authentic South American folklore, all of which Ramirez has brought together to create a work that is a unique combination of folk and "classical" music - a musical mix that would be unthinkable for the central European musical tradition. It is therefore all the more surprising that the "Misa Criolla" went on to become such a success outside South America.

On the 21st June 1990, two years after his sensational and much acclaimed return to the opera stage and concert platform, he once again sang the solo part in the "Misa Criolla" - this time at the Mission Dolores in San Francisco, founded in the 18th century by Spanish priest Pater Serra. On both occasions the composer himself, Ariel Ramirez, played the organ or piano part.

As musical introduction to the performance of Ramirez' "Misa Criolla" the recording starts with four songs by South American, Central American and Spanish composers, in which José Carreras is accompanied by Italian pianist Lorenzo Bavaj.