Search - Villa-Lobos, Capolongo :: Bachianas Brasileiras

It doesn't get any better

Peter Chordas | Portland, OR USA | 06/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's nothing worse than reviewers trying to describe in detail each aria or movement of a recording (in my humble opinion). What helps is to read what one likes or dislikes about the piece. What I love about this music is it's sensitivity. Paul Capolongo does a fine job conducting the Paris Orchestra which exudes emotion. Villa-Lobos deserves praise for these modern works. The highlight of course is Mady Mesple in the No. 5 aria cantilena. Her voice always adds a warm ethereal quality which makes her one of the greatest coloratura ever recorded. She reigned in Lakme like no other and "The very best of Mady Mesple" is well worth every cent as well. Just sit quietly and listen to the end of Brachiana Brasileira No. 5 aria on this CD. Her pianissimo is so soft and quiet, you won't hear it unless the volume is turned up quite high. There may be others who do this aria well but to this listener, Mady Mesple will always set the gold standard for this piece."

The radiant splendor of Amazonian jungle!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 07/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
The huge efforts of this renowned and talented conductor in order to divulge the most remarkable artistic achievement of Hector Villalobos is worthy to mention, not only because its intrinsic virtues, but for the radiant adaptation of Bach's mood conveyed to this side of the ocean, where the poetry crackles, beats and lives with majestic splendor vibrating with these unimaginable, mesmerizing and superb landscapes. There is too, a heartfelt sentiment and powerful conviction about the meaning of Bach as the oldest musician of the future" according those emblematic praise from Pablo Casals

"