Search - Villa-Lobos, Heller, Fleming :: Forest of the Amazon

A hidden masterwork

06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This work originated as a film score by Villa Lobos for the failed "Green Mansions" film of the late 1950's. However very little of the Villa Lobos music actually was heard in that film score. So Villa Lobos reworked his music and what one hear's today is not a film score, but something integrated, warm and wonderful that tells the audio story of the Hudson novel on one level, and also the modern tale of the extinction of species the fires burning in the Amazon basin represents. It is like an opera in the sense that melodies occur and reoccur later on in the work. The episodic nature of the music carries forward the tale in Villa Lobos' unique aural universe. The poems that Dora Vasconsoles wrote and that were integrated with this work reflect the poignancy and joy of life that were a part of the Hudson heroine, Rima's relationship to her Amazonian world. I saw the original film starring Audrey Hepburn and was disappointed but taken by her portrayal of Rima. Soon after, the Forest of the Amazon was issued on the United Artists Label and had Bidu Sayao's singing and I loved that recording. But this present recording with Renee Fleming is a wonder. The Moscow orchestra plays well, and I found that musical details are so much more present in this recent CD. I think this music is one of Villa Lobos' masterpieces and should be more widely heard. Of course, this recording must also be readily available to be heard by a wider audience."

Amazing and fine

Ann Satterfield | central Florida, USA | 11/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am very happy to see this recording and hope that it continues to be available.
It is a little known masterwork and a marvelous recording. There is much to enjoy on many levels, first the story itself speaks to our times.
Then there is the skill and value of the composition itself. I am particularly struck by the coloristic effects and wide range of mood and action. I can hear that Villa Lobos was aware of all types of music, and also could use all the variety in a unified work.The orchestra is very fine and Fleming is superb in voice and musicianship.
Conductor Alfred Heller brings much love and skill and knowledge to this work."