HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959): Guitar Concerto, Harmonica Concerto (Manuel Barrueco [guitar], José Staneck [harmonica], São Paolo Symphony Orchestra; Giancarlo Guerrrero), Sexteto Místico for Flute, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Celesta and Harp), Quinteto Instrumental for Flute, Harp and String Trio (OSESP Ensemble).

Catalogue Number: 11V006
Label: Naxos
Reference: 8.574018
Format: CD
Price: $12.98
Description: The concertos and chamber works on this album show Villa-Lobos’s unceasing enthusiasm for new colors and sonorities in his music. A cornerstone of the repertoire, the 1951 guitar concerto contains soaring melodies and rhythmic vitality couched in virtuosic writing. Exploring the instrument’s full harmonic and chromatic possibilities, the one for harmonica (1955) is also deftly orchestrated. Spanning much of his career, new and daring sonic combinations are to be heard in the two chamber works (the sextet from 1917 and the quintet from 1957) demonstrating the composer’s extraordinary gift for seductive lyricism.