Mexican Baroque: Manuel De Sumaya

Very few people are aware today of Latin American sacred music, particularly the baroque music which was widespread in colonial times. One of the baroque masters of Mexico was Manuel de Sumaya, a contemporary of Bach and Handel, who became the chapel master of the Cathedral of Mexico City in 1715. The majestic organ of the cathedral was completed in 1736 (pictured above) and was heavily used along with other favorite baroque instruments. In 1738 Sumaya left for the Cathedral of Oaxaca and was replaced by Ignacio de Jerusalem, another prolific composer. Sumaya died in 1755 in Oaxaca leaving behind a beautiful repertoire for future generations to enjoy. This is a link to my favorite work by Sumaya, Angelicias Milicias. The text in Spanish and English (my personal translation) is below the link.

Click here to listen to Angelicas Milicias

Angélicas Milicias, celestiales escuadras, que del Monarca del Imperio Sacro guardáis el divino soberano alcázar.	Angelic Armies, celestial squadrons, who guard the divine and sovereign citadel of the Sacred Empire’s Monarch.
¡A las armas, a las armas!, que la mas hermosa y pura, Reina triunfante a la altura sube a coronarse grata.	To arms, to arms! For the most beautiful and pure triumphant Queen, to the heavens rises to be pleasingly crowned.
Y así cada cuerda, y el eco sonoro de clarín y caja, aplaude a sus glorias con dulces estruendos de bélicas salvas.	And so every string and resounding echo of bugle and drum, applaud her glories with a sweet warring round of thunder.
Hoy que la divina Reina de las jerarquías altas sube a poseer la corona del Imperio de la Gracia.	Today the divine Queen of the high hierarchies rises to possess the crown of the Empire of Grace.
Hoy que por Madre y Señora el siempre Eterno Monarca del Celestial Sacro Trono gloriosamente la aclama.	Today for being Mother and Lady, the always Eternal Monarch from the Celestial Sacred Throne gloriously acclaims her.

Mexican Baroque: Manuel de Sumaya