While neither instrument Villa-Lobos wrote a concerto for here is unheard of, neither are they common occurrences.
Somehow, the sound of acoustic guitar alone gives a sense of South America. Also, Villa-Lobos likes to inject more of a Brazilian populous vibe whenever guitar is involved, so the combination makes for a very appealing concerto.
The Guitar Concerto is tuneful and colorful, and easily one of the composer's most approachable and appealing concertos.
The Harmonica Concerto is not too far off comparatively, either. Without the guitar at the fore, there is less of an exotic atmosphere, but the harmonica brings with it its own set of stereotypes. For me it is 70's & 80's film and TV music tropes, but Villa-Lobos is far enough removed from that era to avoid most comparisons.
Like its guitar pairing, this concerto is full of attractive melodisms and orchestrations, and the rarity of hearing harmonica in a concerto is a definite hook. Both works are definitely fully enjoyable, and for this listener, easily raises spirits when listening.
With both instruments, guitar and harmonica, Villa-Lobos tends to write in scales, arpeggios, and melodic material, and leaves strumming and chords to important moments. My guess is the techniques required are treacherous for a solo player in both, and it is great to hear them played with such ease and musicality here.
The two chamber pieces sound more Neo-Classical to my ears, aka a tad more astringent, but nothing overly so. The unique instrument colors in Sexteto Místico set the guitar, harp, and Celeste against the flute, oboe, and saxophone, which end up, in essence, pastorally Impressionistic, mixed with the sunny cheek of Poulenc. The Quinteto Instrumentale for string trio, plus flute and harp, is more 'traditional', but as with anything Villa-Lobos composed, musical invention is high.
As with all of the recordings of São Paulo on Naxos and BIS, the orchestra is excellent. I do however feel the solo instruments can be overwhelming amidst their orchestral interactions, particularly some lost wind lines. As to the soloists, though, I have nothing but high praise.
This is a really fun recording, and I think many will get a kick out of Villa-Lobos' rare concertante and chamber music. A great recording!
Listen on YouTube
Works
Guitar Concerto (17.24)
Harmonica Concerto (17.53)
Sexteto Místico (7.51)
Quinteto Instrumentale (17.27)
Soloists
Manuel Barrueco, guitar
José Staneck, harmonica
Performers
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
Giancarlo Guerrera, conductor
Label: Naxos
Year: 2019
Total Timing: 61.02
A really fun recording of concertos and chamber music from Villa-Lobos.
Added interest comes from the odd solo instruments in the concertos and the colorful combinations in the chamber music.
Find more Villa-Lobos recordings HERE!
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