The earliest work is Gustavo Campa’s Three Miniatures, dating from 1889. These pieces consist of a Minuet, which makes piquant use of cello pizzicato in the accompaniment, a Gavotte, rather neatly worked out in the form of a canon, and a slightly longer Theme and Variations. Despite the titles, this is Classical-era music through a Romantic-era filter—think Grieg’s Holberg Suite. Alfred Carrasco’s quartet, written in 1944, is one of the two more modern works on the disc (comparatively speaking). Textures are sparer here; the opening Allegro and gentle Andante tranquillo contain many passages where only one or two instruments are playing. Carrasco hailed from Guadalajara, and the finale of his quartet recalls music of that area (birthplace of the raucous mariachis), without the composer ever abandoning his light touch. Lilting passages where the violins play in thirds are attractively tuneful and light-hearted.

The short Quartet in G by Domingo Lobato (b.1920) comes from 1958. In three succinct movements, its highlights are an inward-looking Largo dominated by the viola, and a brisk finale that brings the only hint of Latin American rhythms on the entire disc. The longest quartet, the second by Alfonso de Elias (1902–84), is also the fullest and richest work in the program (the most romantic, if you will), even though it was composed as late as 1961. If you respond to the quartets of Borodin or the subtler chamber music of Fauré, you should enjoy this piece. Elias, like Borodin, uses much imitation of short musical motifs and conjures a big sound from the ensemble, even in the sprightly scherzo movement. Like Carrasco, he quotes a popular song from Guadalajara in the finale, but as he slows the theme down and begins it in a minor key it loses any identifiable Latin flavor. Elias’s quartet is a major work, running more than 30 minutes but never giving the impression that the composer is stalling for time. It is full of melody and intricate thematic development.

None of these composers could be described as a big name. All were academics and/or organists active mainly on their home turf, but it is revealing to discover another school of Mexican composers outside the modern nationalist movement led by Chávez and Revueltmore....

Review By David Jacobsen,American Record Guide,September 2011

This is a phenomenal production of music that I am thrilled to start to know. The sound of Cuarteto LatinoAmericano is a sound of experience and tremendous maturity; they are not distracted by a thing, and this music is second nature to them. This is wonderful place to start expanding your collection of Latin American classical music.

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