The title refers to the poisonous snake that caused some trouble in the Garden of Eden, the subject of an aria from a cantata by Jayme Torrens. Torrens is just one of a host of highly engaging composers heard on this excellent recording of 18th-century Spanish sacred music. Works by Iribarren, Vidal, Lagos and Delgado round out this marvelously eclectic and deliriously melodic program.

The music comes from the second half of the 18th century and presents a fascinating glimpse at a transitional period that anticipates the classical era. I’ve collected many recordings of 18th-century Spanish repertoire so I was delighted to discover that many of the composers on this recording were new to me. Iribarren is a real find. His cantata Es el Poder del hombre is fairly gushing with elegant Italian melodies while his villancico Ezta Noche lo neglilo, al nacimento, with its bustling percussion, bubbling horns and bassoon, reminded me that I could happily spend a lifetime listening to villancicos. There is some straight ahead liturgical music as well, including a fetching Magnificat setting by Lagos.

Soprano María Espada has a lovely bright tone and countertenor David Sagastume turns in fine work as well. High praise to Orquesta Barroca de Sevilla whose wind players make a marvelous noise and Coro Barroco de Andalucía who sing with energy and precision. Diego Fasolis leads the entire affair with the ideal balance of elegance and boisterous glee. CRAIG ZEICHNER