Introducing: Villa-Lobos Symphonies and String Quartets
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
-
Q2 Music
Living Music. Living Composers.
More - Join the Discussion [3]
When you hear the name Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959), you might think of his evocative Chôros or Bachianas brasileiras.
Or maybe the colorful textures and dynamic rhythms of his native Brazil, or his descriptive titles, such as Distribution of Flowers, The Martyrdom of Insects, or The Dance of the White Indian.
What might not come to mind immediately, nor to the ear, are the masterful explorations in traditional European idioms that traced his entire creative life. This week on Q2, discover his 12 symphonies and 17 string quartets from two recent box sets.
Check out some excerpts below or listen to Q2 now.
String Quartet No. 5 (excerpt)
Cuarteto Latinoamericano
Symphony No. 12 (excerpt)
Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart with conductor Carl St. Clair
More in:
Follow WQXR
About Q2 Music
LISTEN TO Q2 MUSIC'S 24/7 STREAM
Q2 Music is WQXR’s online music station devoted to 20th and 21st century classical music, trailblazing ensembles and vibrant, live performances from New York City's leading new music venues. Q2 Music lives online at www.wqxr.org/q2music, where you can find host biographies, essential playlist info, composer profiles and on-demand shows, and is accessible via the free WQXR App.
Follow Q2 Music
Comments [3]
Villa-Lobos was a genius whose talent is underappreciated, simply because he was a Brazilian. Also, his music merits being interpreted by native Brazilians, not just foreigners, because they feel his rhythms and tones much more.
Villa-Lobos was not a wild composer. He was like composer with a strong sense of native inspiration.
It is so wonderful that the station is hosting this wildly eclectic composer and it reminded me how much I love this digital radio station. Always mid-to-high quality recordings and internet stream. Also never plays music that is obnoxiously dynamic in volume. Best study environment available : )
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.