Choro is a style or genre of music that originated in Brazil at the end of the 1800s, characterized by rhythmic vibrancy and the virtuosic improvisations of its participants. It was also a style that highly influenced the composers of 20th-Century Brazil, like Jacob do Bandolim, who composed a piece for two guitars titled Noites Cariocas that draws on Choro: it’s a perfect example of the style’s virtuosity, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic propulsion.
On this week’s Arizona Encore, we will hear this piece, plus a number of works by perhaps the most well-known Brazilian composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and others – as we hear performances from the Grand Canyon Music Festival, ASU School of Music, and the vocal group True Concord.
Featuring performances by True Concord; Eric Holtan, conductor; Robert Bonfiglio, harmonica; Michael Newman, guitar; Clare Hoffman, flute; Laura Oltman, guitar; Elizabeth Buck, flute; Hannah Creviston, piano; Jason Vieaux, guitar; Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar.
Villa-Lobos - Ave Maria - True Concord; Eric Holtan, conductor
Villa-Lobos - Estrela e Lua Nova - True Concord; Eric Holtan, conductor
Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 - Robert Bonfiglio, harmonica; Michael Newman, guitar
Villa-Lobos - Distribuição de Flores - Clare Hoffman, flute; Laura Oltman, guitar
Villa-Lobos - Fantasia - Elizabeth Buck, flute; Hannah Creviston, piano
I. Anime
II. Lent
III. Tres anime
Jobim - A Felicidade - Jason Vieaux, guitar
Gismonti - Alegrino - Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar
Gismonti - Sete Anéis - Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar
Gismonti - A Fala da Paixão - Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar
Gismonti - Karatê - Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar
Bandolim - Noites Cariocas - Brasil Guitar Duo; João Luiz & Douglas Lora, guitar
