Ramirez' Creole Mass is a daring fusion of Catholic liturgy and Latin American folk music. This particular performance is made even better by the presence of
José Carreras as lead singer. Carreras seems to have a personal feeling for this music and uses the power and control of his voice without ever becoming inappropriately operatic. The mass features a wonderful variety of folk instruments -- like the mandolin-like charango and the quena, a breathy Andean flute -- along with lots of percussion. The composer on piano and harpsichord is backed by a mixed chorus from Spain.