Con Flor y Canto from “Adoración Ambulante” (1994)

Con Flor y Canto is a narrative cantata in Spanish. Bass and children's chorus sing the ancient Aztec and Mayan story of the creation of the world while tenor and mixed chorus sing the Biblical account. The two groups join in an exuberant finale combining an Aztec hymn (We praise Thee, O Lord, with the flower-decked drums) and Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord). The music unites echoes of pre-Columbian America with Gregorian chant in a radiant synthesis of the two hemispheres.

Con Flor y Canto is the central portion of the Adoración Ambulante (1994), a full-evening multi-media Mexican folk celebration.