The End of Bachianas Brasileiras

 

With nos. 7, 8, and 9, I come to the end of Villa-Lobos' marriage of Bach and Brazil.

I hear a little more of Brazil in Bachianas Brasileiras 7 and more of Bach in 8 & 9, although both inspirations are to be found in measure.

As an added bonus, not only is there Bachianas Brasileiras 9 for string orchestra, but also for a cappella chorus. The latter sounds a little of the Swingle Singers, yet is an interesting take as an alternate version.

As always, São Paulo sounds wonderful in this music, breathing all the life into them as they possibly can. Best of all, the colorful aspect of these often exotic compositions come through clearly and cleanly, percussion, winds, and all.

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As an added bonus accompanied on the complete set only, a wind quintet from the Berlin Philharmonic adds Villa-Lobos' Quintet in the Form of a Chôros. This is the composer at his most modern sounding, akin to some of the early Chôros works, such as Chôros 2 & 4 or Chôros Bis. I appreciate the addition though, as it fleshes out an aspect of the composer away from his more populous-sounding works.

Maybe not my cup of tea from Villa-Lobos though, but as in those other chamber-sized pieces, it is his rhythms which enhance what could be dry and academic modern dissonance.

Works
Bachianas Brasileiras 7 (26.03)
Bachianas Brasileiras 8 (23.49)
Bachianas Brasileiras 9 for strings (8.14)
Bachianas Brasileiras 9 for chorus (8.34)
Quintet in the Form of a Chôros (9.44)

Ensemble
Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet (series only)

Performers
São Paulo Symphony Chorus
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
Naomi Munakata, conductor (choir)
Robert Minczuk, conductor

Label: BIS
Year: 2006
Total Timing: 67.46 / 77.48 (set)

 

 

I have heard five of these Villa-Lobos volumes from São Paulo already, so it is easy to sit back and enjoy this knowing these will be excellent.

A little more Bach than Brazil in this one. All that means is, this has a more serious tone overall, than the joy of discovering Brazil, although that is here too.

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Villa-Lobos recordings HERE!