Contrast, juxtaposition, maybe even collision? Sometimes these are the ingredients for musical beauty.

Certainly it's the case with Correo Aereo, the Austin-based duo of Abel Rocha and Madeleine Sosin. Their second release, "Lo Que Me Dijo El Viento'' (What The Wind Told Me), shows off why this pair has gained a devoted following for their repertoire of traditional music from Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina.

Within the first three of the 15 songs on the CD this duo's dexterity shines through. In "Cuatrapeado,'' one of Rocha's three original compositions, Rocha's guitar builds in an ever fuller and faster crescendo for nearly two minutes before his reedy voice slides in, backed by Sosin's sultry vocals, gradually upping the dramatic tension until the end. Switching mood and tempo in "Pena Huasteca,'' the duo blend their voices together over Sosin's plaintive violin, Rocha playing a supporting rhythm with his guitar. Then, with the traditional upbeat but minor-key Venezuelan tune "Fiesta Lllanera,'' it's instrumental virtuoso time for the duo, Sosin's maracas providing a rhythmic velvet background for Rocha's rapid yet lush harp playing.

It's that blend of contrasts that makes "Lo Que Me Dijo El Viento'' a jewel.

jeanne claire van ryzin