Choral Music in Mexico

Choral music of Mexico is a relatively new area for music research. Only within the last 60 to 70 years have scholars begun to study and catalog what is contained in the Mexican cathedral archives. Despite having a lengthy musical history, the choral music of colonial Mexico is not as celebrated or known as the European repertoire. Many compositions by the Spanish composers Victoria, Guerrero, and Morales had already graced Europe; and through the colonization of Mexico, their music found its way into the archives of the Mexican cathedrals. However, Mexican composers such as Franco, Padilla, Sumaya, and Lopez de Capillas are not as well known, but their music is an important part of music history. The music from these Mexican composers provides a wonderful view of a developing and rich musical tradition. Select works from eight Mexican composers are presented here with the hope that readers will further explore the choral music of Mexico.