An Impressive Artifact

 

Although, the same could be said of Villa-Lobos' own recording, be it a redacted version.

After hearing Sao Paulo with John Neschling on BIS, I didn't think I would be impressed with others in this work.

Color me wrong, for this is yet another fine recording of the composer's Forest of the Amazon Brazilian cantata / symphonic poem.

Despite coming some 15 years prior to Neschling's recording, the sound still stands up, and the performances are just as effective too. Add to that conductor Alfred Heller's intimate knowledge of Villa-Lobos and his music, and you have a recording to stand the test of time.

There are three more tracks of music on the BIS recording, really the only significant aspect which gives anything to the newer recording. Otherwise, I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite.

A review from 2024

Recorded in the mid-90’s, this recording of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Forest of the Amazon has been a mainstay since its appearance. The work’s music can be unabashedly cinematic, with grand Romantic sweep. Yet, Villa-Lobos doesn’t compose to the lowest-common denominator; his balance of atmosphere, occasional stabs of dissonance, evocative songful settings, and rapturous melodisms are a tribute to the composer’s abilities with an orchestral setting.


The Delos sonics and the playing from the Moscow RSO are exemplary, and this early appearance of US soprano Renée Fleming is beautiful. It is no wonder this recording has been the go-to for this 70-minute film suite for so long. The liner notes from Alfred Heller, a known quantity in Villa-Lobos’ life, contributes wonderful liner notes.


My only pause is that there is a more complete version on BIS with John Neschling and his São Paulo players and singers. I love the SACD sound there, and the playing is every bit Moscow’s equal, plus some extra music not included here on Delos.


Yet, there is so little to complain about in this recording. This would be an absolute top choice, if not for the more recent BIS performance.

 

 

Listen on YouTube

 

 

Works
Forest of the Amazon

Soloists
Renée Fleming, soprano

Ensemble
Moscow Physics and Engineering Institute Chorus
Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra
Alfred Heller, conductor

Label: Delos
Year: 1995 / 2001
Total Timing: 74.05

 

 

 

A wonderful work, wonderfully played.

The sound isn't too bad either, although both are aspects are ever so slightly better on BIS.

Still, it doesn't take away from anything on this recording.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Villa-Lobos recordings HERE!