Search - Villa-Lobos, Karabtchewsky, Brazil Sym Orch :: Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras

Great Music Poorly Performed and Horribly Recorded

Avrohom Leichtling | Monsey, NY | 09/20/2002

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Villa-Lobos' great cycle of nine Bachianas Brasileiras have been recorded often enough to make a wide selection of performances possible. This latest entry has two plusses: Isaac Karabtchewsky, the conductor who has long been associated with Villa-Lobos, and, of course, the pianist Nelson Friere of similar sympathy. One would expect exemplary performances here.Notwithstanding the evident pedigree of the performers (by reputation, at least), regrettably, the performances are all too pedestrian, and not at all clean. There are far too many issues with intonation, balance and overall ensemble to make this outing worth the money. Furthermore, the recording values are among the worst I have ever heard. The clipping and distortion are beyond belief - further, every single track is given the "home standard" 2 second pause. Thus there is absolutely no distinction between one movement and the next, or one composition and the next. It is rank amateur production on every level.My recommendation: look elsewhere. The music is poorly served here - both in performance as well as presentation. A major disappointment."