Brazilian Trailblazer
Evening Music | May 6, 2010
Tonight, Evening Music celebrates the birthday of that towering figure in Brazilian art music, Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Following in the path of many a nationalistic composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) brought contemporary European form to Brazilian folk tradition, crafting a living, breathing nationalistic style that re-imagined Brazilian music in modern terms. Tonight, we'll hear two contrasting selections: Odaline de la Martinez leads Lontano and the BBC singers in "Quatuor," a work that combines syllabic vocalism with sparse and exotic instrumentation. On the more traditional side, Pepe Romero brings his formidable artistry to bear with the "Brazilian Folk Suite" for solo guitar.
Starting the evening, however, is folk music of a different kind. Poet and resident Victor Hugo called Guernsey Island "rugged yet sweet" — something which applies to the musical tradition of the Channel Islands as well. We'll hear some Traditional Guernsey songs and melodies from the Harp Consort with Andrew Lawrence-King and soprano Clara Sanabras.
Following in the path of many a nationalistic composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) brought contemporary European form to Brazilian folk tradition, crafting a living, breathing nationalistic style that re-imagined Brazilian music in modern terms. Tonight, we'll hear two contrasting selections: Odaline de la Martinez leads Lontano and the BBC singers in "Quatuor," a work that combines syllabic vocalism with sparse and exotic instrumentation. On the more traditional side, Pepe Romero brings his formidable artistry to bear with the "Brazilian Folk Suite" for solo guitar.
Starting the evening, however, is folk music of a different kind. Poet and resident Victor Hugo called Guernsey Island "rugged yet sweet" — something which applies to the musical tradition of the Channel Islands as well. We'll hear some Traditional Guernsey songs and melodies from the Harp Consort with Andrew Lawrence-King and soprano Clara Sanabras.
