Heitor Villa-Lobos: Brazilian-Born Grasp Composer Whose Music Is aware of No Boundaries
by Barry Lenson
Have you ever observed that many members of the classical music world are prejudiced in opposition to the music of Spain and Latin America?
When that music comes below dialogue, they are saying, “Effectively I prefer it, but it surely all sounds just about the identical.” And even worse, “A few of it’s fairly good, however it’ll by no means be on the extent of extra mainstream composers like Bach, Beethoven or Brahms.”
After I hear folks make a remark like that, I’ve a secret weapon . . .
Heitor Villa-Lobos
After I play even a small number of his compositions for narrow-minded folks, they’re pressured to put aside their opinions and admit that Villa-Lobos is a world composer whose music doesn’t take second place behind the creations of some other composer they will title.
About Heitor Villa-Lobos
Heitor Villa-Lobos (March 5, 1887 – November 17, 1959) was a Brazilian composer, conductor, cellist, and classical guitarist, extensively thought to be some of the important inventive figures in Twentieth-century music.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Villa-Lobos was uncovered to music from an early age, because of his father, an beginner musician. Heitor discovered to play the cello, clarinet, and guitar, and his early musical experiences had been deeply influenced by Brazilian people music and the European classical custom.
As Bela Bartok did in Hungary, Heitor Villa-Lobos traveled extensively via his native nation, finding out people and musical traditions. These research clarify the distinctly Brazilian/Latin taste of a lot of his compositions. But Villa-Lobos was greater than a gatherer of people tunes. He was additionally a grasp of European-style orchestration. A hearken to his chamber works reveals that he had studied and absorbed the good chamber works of Brahms and Debussy. And his vocal music, although grounded in each older western traditions and Brazilian people music, takes flight and soars into new realms.
Chosen Compositions by Heitor Villa-Lobos on Classical Archives*
We’re happy that these masterpieces by Villa-Lobos – and plenty of extra – can be found for listening on Classical Archives.
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5, for voice and eight cellos
Poème de l’enfant et de sa mère, for voice, flute, clarinet, and cello
Genesis (symphonic poem and ballet)
There are various extra compositions by Villa-Lobos on Classical Archives. Begin your explorations on his Classical Archives composer’s web page.
* Please be aware that to hear, you have to be a member of Classical Archives. You probably have not but performed so, we invite you to hitch at the moment. Free 14-day trial memberships can be found.