Search - Heitor Villa-Lobos :: Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar

The Rebirth of Music

G. Newby | Memphis, TN United States | 09/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heitor Villa-Lobos was a remarkable 20th-Century Brazilian composer whose works mixed elements of jazz with the flavors of South American folk music. In his compositions one can hear the premonition of later musical forms to come: salsa, rhumba, even a taste of tango, but the over-riding factor is the melodic jazz, which is so reminiscent of Villa-Lobos' contemporary Django Reinhardt. One also hears the bravado of Spanish flamenco, complete with its pounding rhythm and complex phrasings. Villa-Lobos may just be the first truly international composer, in that his work reflects the input of numerous influences from around the globe. Indeed, he was toying with jazz fusion before the term was even invented.



Out of all of his total output, his compositions for guitar were relatively few, but they are also the most long-lived and the most celebrated. That's because Villa-Lobos, who had performed as a street musician, had a clear sense of how he thought the guitar should be used as an instrument of expression. After just one listening it is easy to recognize both the beauty and importance of his works.



It's also easy to recognize just how talented the guitarist, Norbert Kraft, is. And I don't mean this strictly in technical terms. Even the great Segovia admitted that he found Villa-Lobos' pieces difficult to play, but Kraft sounds like he's doing it with his eyes closed. He's loud where he needs to be, and quiet when the music calls for it. You can tell he is very passionate about Villa-Lobos. As another reviewer has pointed out, Kraft is Canadian and, at first, that seems like heresy. But there's something very appropriate about a foreigner mastering Villa-Lobos' international music. It is definitely in keeping with the spirit of the works. I think that after hearing these definitive interpretations of his six-stringed masterpieces, Villa-Lobos would be pleased."

Absolutely wonderful

James D. Christopher | Charlotte, NC United States | 06/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked this CD up at a local music vendor expecting little more than an acoustic reference to my Villa-Lobos sheet music. I was floored at the quality and musicianship put into this recording. The sound quality is outstanding, and Kraft's playing is truly impeccable. It is obvious that a lot of time and effort went into putting this cd together. I would have paid three times the price to own it - indeed,This CD does genuine justice to one of the most important 20th century composers for the guitar. For those of you not familiar with the guitar music of Villa-Lobos, I would highly recommend that you purchase this CD and experience the delightful coupling of classical and Brazilian traditions that he managed to accomplish. If you are a fan of classical guitar, this CD will likely become a favorite!"

Stunning

A. Michaelson | Bay Area, CA | 07/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know Naxos is a great company when it comes to producing quality classical performances at a bargain price, but this was the first Naxos CD that I can truly say is a definitive performance. Villa-Lobos was one of the great composers of the twentieth century, and perhaps the greatest guitar composoer of the century. This disk, featuring award-winning Canadian guitarist Norbert Kraft, is a compilation of Villa-Lobos's complete works for solo guitar, and I must say that it is truly amazing. The mix of Brazilian folk rhythms with the complexity and structure of classical music combine to make some of the most beautiful and catchy music you will ever hear. Kraft plays the pieces wonderfully, with great warmth. Though not a native Brazilian, Kraft does an exceptional job of emphasizing many of the tropical characteristics that color these classical pieces. The compositions and the performance are excellent, but to top it all off is the sound quality. Naxos did an incredible job with the recording quality. The sound is amazing, comparable to the quality you get with Teldec. At a bargain price you cannot go wrong. The music is beautiful and catchy, and I guarantee, whether or not you generally enjoy classical music, you WILL enjoy this CD. A must have."