Three Modes of Villa-Lobos

 

As I was listening to Villa-Lobos in his first few Bachianas Brasileiras, I was thinking of who else his music reminds me of.

The composer is certainly eclectic, mining from jazz, native Brazil, and other influential sources. Yet, the one which occasionally came to mind was Francis Poulenc.

No, Villa-Lobos isn't particularly French sounding, but there is a joy to this music, compositions which aren't afraid to smile. This is the same feeling I often get when listening to Poulenc.

There seems to be three modes to these particular works. The serious minded, especially when Villa-Lobos is channeling Bach. These can be quite beautiful, but it is also when the composer unleashes little moments of the unexpected as well. There is a certain wink-and-a-smile when these moments come and go.

On the flip side, there is his Brazilian mode, where elements of rhythm, percussion, and thick orchestrations combine in full color. This is where the music lets loose, and an uninhibited spirit takes over these compositions. The slidey trombone and smoky saxophone opening the Bachianas Brasileiras 2 may lay on the jazzy side, but it is all extremely endearing.

The third aspect came to mind in this recording specifically, particularly in Bachianas Brasileiras 3. This piano concertante work makes grand Romantic gestures I don't always hear in Villa-Lobos, especially these Brazilian Bach endeavors, and these were memorable listening moments.

All in all, this was another wonderful entry into BIS' Villa-Lobos series.

 

Listen on YouTube

 

 

Works
Bachianas Brasileiras 2 (22.16)
Bachianas Brasileiras 3 (27.48)
Bachianas Brasileiras 4 (18.42)

Soloists
Jean Louis Steuerman, piano

Performers
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
Robert Minczuk, conductor

Label: BIS
Year: 2005
Total Timing: 69.52

 

 

 

Keep 'em coming!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Villa-Lobos recordings HERE!