Search - Guiomar Novaes :: Art of Guiomar Novaes

The Brilliant Brazilian Pianist Who is All But Forgotten

Doris Ridenour | Baltimore, MD USA | 11/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Guiomar Novaes debuted in 1915 in NYC at age 19-and was compared favorably to the greatest pianists of the day by top critics. As with most women pianists in those years, she did not receive the attention she deserved. She also recorded in the 40's and 50's for Vox which was not a quality label. A few recitals were recorded by Columbia and later in life, in the 60's she recorded some for Decca, but that was after her prime. As a pianist studying in the 50's, I considered her the greatest Chopin pianist ever and I cherished those few records I had. I am delighted to have these CD's but angry and sad, as are others who know her playing, that she was not included in the Phillips "60 Greatest Pianists of the Century" --There are many who would rank her among the top 10! Her Chopin recordings are truly a wonder---lyricism, technique, power, and accuracy at breathtaking speeds--Just listen to the Etudes, or the Presto movement of the 2nd Sonata!"

I looked for twenty seven years!!

R. Cipriani | california,USA | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up hearing her music,(Belgian Nuns) and being unable to remember the pianist name. All my piano teachers sadly, are no more, and yet they gave me an appreciation for The Artistry of Guiomar Novaes.

Her style is very much lingering. Once you hear her, you will always recollect the faint familiarity, in both her passion and interpretations. She is very unique, and rather timeless.

Yet, with the computer, you really can find most anything, if you keep looking. It is just as I remembered it on the records.

Of course the cds have great sound and unsurpassed clarity. This album is just so classically beautiful, and one day, I would like to pass on my albums, to my up and coming music collector.

Very much worth the investment.

Thank you, for letting me hear her again after so many years, and experience my childhood again for a little while."