Brazilian Baroque ?

Another of the disks that EMI promote as Gret Recordings of the Century, this features Heitor Villa-Lobos conducting the Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Francais in a selection from his own Bachianas Brasileiras ( Nos 1, 2, 5 and 9 ) with the participation of soprano Victoria de los Angeles. Recorded in the late fifties, the sound is a little dated but not enough for it to be an issue. Villa-Lobos was dedicated to promoting the music of his native Brazil, including all strains such as the colonial, urban and native. The Bachianas Brasileiras suites attempt to fuse the soul of Brazil with the spirit of Bach. They don't take existing Bachian themes and superimpose Brazilian flavours but rather apply contrapuntal treatments to folk rhythms and melodic outlines. The various suites have different insrumental makeups. No 1 is for eight cellos, No 5 adds a soprano to this mix ( including a vocalise section with de los Angeles still being considered among the very best interpretations ) and setting a poem concerning twilight and exotic birds which is mirrored in the music. No 9 is dedicated to Aaron Copland and is arranged for string orchestra, and No 2 contains a prominent part for tenor saxophone, hints of Africa and voodoo and the famous depiction of the little country steam train ploughing up a steep gradient. This selection serves very well, the complete suites might outstay their welcome if listened to at one sitting.