Donald Macleod explores the little-known music of 17th and 18th-century Spain.

The all-powerful church in 17th century Spain liked its music very traditional indeed: old-fashioned and strictly Latin only. Outside the liturgy, though, composers could be more experimental. Donald reveals how modern styles, popular tunes and dance rhythms found their way into the sacred 'villancico' form.

Francisco Correa de Arauxo: Tiento No 16
Bernard Foccroulle (organ)
Ricercar RIC070056 Tr 1

Cristobal Galan: Al espejo que retrata
Al Ayre Espanol
Eduardo Lopez Banzo (director)
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 05472773252 Tr 3

Juan Barter: Hazo, Anton!
Clara Sanabras (soprano)
Rodrigo del Pozo (tenor)
Charivari Agreable
Kah-Ming Ng (director)
Signum SIGCD069 Tr 11

Lucas Ruiz de Ribayaz: Chaconas y Marionas
Harp Consort
Andrew Lawrence-King (director)
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi DHM 05472773402 Tr 5

Gaspar Sanz: Preludio y Fantasia
Hopkinson Smith (guitar)
Astree E8576 Tr 17

Sebastian Duron: La borrachita de amor
Raquel Andueza (soprano)
Manuel Vilas (double harp)
Naxos 8570458 Tr 3

Sebastian Duron: Lamentacion segunda, del Viernes Santo
Marta Almajano (soprano)
Al Ayre Espanol
Eduardo Lopez Banzo (director)
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi DHM 05472 773762 Tr 10. Show less