Composer Lalo Schifrin developed an interest in the indigenous culture of Mexico during his frequent appearances as guest conductor with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Mexico. While in Mexico, Schifrin encountered the poetry of Nexahuacoyotl, a 12th Century Aztec prince, and he believed that the verse could be effectively set to music. Cantos Aztecas is the result of Schifrin's experiment; this home video release records the debut performance of the song cycle, performed at the site of the pyramid of Teotihuacan, with special guest vocalist Placido Domingo. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi