As a guitarist, it has been impossible to isolate oneself from the Music of Brazil and the great composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, but then again, why would you want to? The melodies are lusciously romantic in all of his major works and the harmonies almost stand astride continents thus linking Europe, Latin America and Africa in a grand musical union. Brazil has been a large part of my life in numerous ways, but in my musical journey it has appeared in my recent collaboration with Brazilian soprano Luiza Sayâo. We put together a short recording of one of Villa-Lobos’ most famous works: Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5. Although originally written for soprano and eight cellos, the guitar and soprano version is an arrangement by the composer himself.
Check out our conversation for insights to Brazil and how exactly to sing those difficult vowels "ão" sounds!