In 1935, Mexico’s new progressive government commissioned a film and the result was Redes, written and directed by New York-born Paul Strand, with a score from Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas. Though “one of the most beautifully photographed films ever made,” Redes has remained little known, owing in part to the poor quality of surviving prints. Revueltas’ score, too, is considered some of his finest work, but there has been no recording available, beyond the deteriorated film prints.

When the film was recently restored by Martin Scorsese’s foundation, Angel Gil-Ordóñez’s PostClassical Ensemble was asked to re-record the score, at last filling the void. Gil is the director of both the PostClassical Ensemble and NYC’s Perspectives Ensemble, which in residence at the Foundation for Iberian Music and has collaborated to put on numerous concerts, including many world premieres. Under Gil’s direction, these ensembles do not present mere concerts, but always connect them in historical context. (As case in point, PostClassical Ensemble’s recent festival “Music Under Stalin: An Immersion Experience,” which is conducted in conjunction with the Washington Jewish Music Festival and the National Gallery, is just winding down.) The Ensemble’s new recording of Redes is available on Naxos.

The restored film, complete with newly re-recorded score, is being shown May 4 at the Americas Society, where the Foundation’s director Antoni Pizà is a former board member. A performance of the film suite is in the works. You can learn more about the restoration and the Ensemble’s involvement through both Naxos and Criterion Collection, at the above link.