The Music of Brazil Cesar Guerra Peixe

The Naxos series titled ‘The Music of Brazil’ is part of Brasil em Concerto, a project developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote music by Brazilian composers dating back to the 18th century. Some 100 orchestral works from the 19th and 20th centuries will be recorded by the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.

The works have been selected according to their historical importance for Brazilian music and the existence of recordings. Most of the works recorded for the series have never had recordings available outside Brazil; many others are receiving their world premiere recordings.

Volume 9 features symphonic music by César Guerra-Peixe, who left an extensive body of work for a range of instrumental and vocal formations, but it is in his orchestral music that his artistry is most evident.


8.573925

César GUERRA-PEIXE (1914–1993)
Symphonic Suites Nos. 1 and 2
Roda de Amigos *

Raul Menezes, Flute * • Públio da Silva, Oboe *
Patrick Viglioni, Clarinet * • Felipe Arruda, Bassoon *
Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra
Neil Thomson

César Guerra-Peixe was one of the most versatile Brazilian musicians of the 20th century, gaining a particular mastery of orchestration and creating his own inimitable sound through extensive work in radio, television and cinema. The toe-tapping dance rhythms and lyrical expressiveness in his two Symphonic Suites were inspired by research into Brazilian folk traditions, further enhanced by a broad range of vibrantly eloquent global influences. The lighthearted Roda de Amigos mischievously caricatures Guerra-Peixe’s musical circle of friends and their various woodwind instruments.

Listen to an extract from Roda de amigos:
IV. O travesso
About the Artists

Neil Thomson has been principal conductor and artistic director of the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra since 2014. He also enjoys a busy international career working with all the major UK orchestras and with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, Russian National Orchestra, São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, WDR Rundfunkorchester, Israel Symphony, Lahti Symphony and the Romanian National Orchestra.

The Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra has committed itself to the dissemination of classical music in the Brazilian state of Goiás by placing particular emphasis on Brazilian music in its programmes.  Now widely regarded as one of the top three orchestras in Brazil, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra is known for its energetic and dynamic playing style and innovative approach to programming.
Previous releases in The Music of Brazil series
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GUARNIERI, C.:
Choros, Vol. 1
Seresta

Kopylova • Silvério • Nascimento • Graton • São Paulo Symphony Orchestra • Karabtchevsky
★★★★
★★★★
‘Isaac Karabtchevsky and the São Paulo Symphony… together with the main soloists, offer an authentic performance in the service of the man Copland defined as “the most interesting ‘unknown’ talent in South America.”’
Scherzo
8.574403
GUARNIERI, C.:
Choros, Vol. 2
Flor de Tremembé

Buosi • Schaefer • Pinto • Kopylova • São Paulo Symphony Orchestra • Tibiriçá
★★★★
These very personal concertos reveal Guarnieri’s refined instrumental combinations and elegant contrapuntal writing. The Choros in this second volume represent all stages of the composer’s compositional development.
8.574225
REZENDE DE ALMEIDA PRADO, J.A.:
Aurora • Concerto Fribourgeois

Rubinsky • Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra • Mechetti
★★★★
‘Sonia Rubinsky possesses a phenomenal technique, an immeasurable palette of colours in her touch and an irrepressible spirit.’
www.klassik.com
8.574067
★★★★
★★★★
‘The entire programme is played with panache by the Minas Gerais Philharmonic, who sound far more polished and mature than one would expect from an orchestra founded just a decade ago.’
Gramophone
8.574118
‘Violinist Emmanuele Baldini and pianist Karin Fernandes master all three compositions, playing throughout with panache and faultless technical command.’
Rafael’s Music Notes
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SANTORO, C.:
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 7 ‘Brasilia’

Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra • Thomson
★★★★
‘The journey is navigated with aplomb by the Goias Philarmonic Orchestra conducted by Neil Thomson. Deftly woven counterpoint is contrasted with off-beat rhythms and expansive melodies that showcase each section of the orchestra to effect.’
BBC Music Magazine ★★★★
8.574018
VILLA-LOBOS, H.:
Guitar Concerto • Harmonica Concerto
Sexteto Místico • Quinteto Instrumental

Barrueco • Staneck • OSESP Ensemble • São Paulo Symphony Orchestra • Guerrero
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
‘Uniformly first-rate performances by members of the São Paulo Symphony under the vital and sensitive direction of Giancarlo Guerrero…making the whole disc a joy from start to finish – a true voyage of discovery and delight. ’
ClassicsToday.com
8.574286
VILLA-LOBOS, H.:
Choral Transcriptions

São Paulo Symphony Choir • Peleggi
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
‘Under the astute direction of Valentina Peleggi, the São Paulo Symphony Choir brings a warm, rich sound to their task.’
Limelight ★★★★
8.574310
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
‘The performers succeed in presenting Villa-Lobos’ music in well-structured and carefully shaped interpretations.’
Pizzicato ★★★★
Visit The Music of Brazil mini-site for full details of these Music of Brazil albums, including video trailers, artist details and more recommended releases of music by Brazilian composers.


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