‘A superb reading. Such easy virtuosity enhances the happy, carefree atmosphere’ (Gramophone)

‘An inspired coupling. One of the year's best releases’ (Classical Music)

‘A new entry in this year’s top 300 … full of ravishing pastoral scenes played beautifully by Thea King. You surely couldn’t get a truer representation of these concertos which both deserve better recognition’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The original release of these concertos was long overdue and unanimously praised on both sides of the Atlantic. Its re-emergence at a moderate price is not only welcome but also deserving of high praise and an appropriate pedestal in our Classical Hall of Fame’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘The instrumental ensemble is exciting, vital, rhythmically alert … the music of Juan de Araujo … is unquestionably a good find’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra of Birmingham have made a hit recently, with their recording of South American music … another hit which you can't keep out of your mind, released by Hyperion’ (Daily Mail)

‘Araujo's music is very different: sophisticated and marvellously expressive, and Ex Cathedra makes the most of it. The poetry too is worthy of attention: very enjoyable’ (Early Music Review)

‘Jeffrey Skidmore continues his exploration of Latin American Baroque music with an imaginatively programmed disc largely devoted to the music of the Spanish-born Juan de Araujo (1648–1712), who spent the final 30 years of his life as organist at the cathedral of La Planta (now Sucre, Bolivia). Judging by what’s here recorded, Araujo was equally at home in sacred and secular pieces: the Dixit Dominus for three choirs is particularly attractive, and his secular music has an irresistible foot-tapping quality. We remain indebted to Skidmore and the fine vocal and instrumental forces of his Ex Cathedra ensembles for resurrecting this material. An important release’ (Choir & Organ)

‘High art meets the reality of the New World, resulting in a new music that modern performers and audiences are just beginning to appreciate … this is exactly what the classical music 'industry' should be about’ (NewClassics.com)

‘This is a splendid disc and a very worthy successor to the preceding volumes. The standard of performance is unfailingly excellent. Ensemble work, both vocal and instrumental, is tight and the many vocal solos are all taken extremely well. The performances display flair and finesse on the part of all concerned Jeffrey Skidmore’s direction is perceptive, lively and, above all, persuasive. It’s quite astonishing to think of this music being composed and performed in a remote colonial outpost in seventeenth century Latin America and the survival of the music and its revival today is something for which we should be grateful. Juan de Araujo was a fine composer and he has been exceptionally well served here by Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra. This is a CD that commands attention’ (MusicWeb International)

‘The rediscovery of Latin American baroque music was a success story waiting to happen: it combines the dramatic contrasts of texture and the expressive word-setting of the European baroque with the rhythmic energy of New World folk music and the dances of West African slaves … the choral textures are thrilling’ (Oxford Today)

‘The performances are glorious. Soloists and choir sing lustily but stylishly, and the instrumental backing is aptly contrived. Even more than in past volumes, I found this release just plain enchanting. Fine notes, full texts and translations. In all, one of those releases that is truly perfect! What an absolute treasure Hyperion has in Skidmore and his confederates!’ (American Record Guide)