GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: Mirror Image on November 30, 2010, 10:49:28 AM

Title: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on November 30, 2010, 10:49:28 AM
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7h0skmleq-U/S_LUHP4XriI/AAAAAAAAAjo/KxGHRZul9zA/s1600/camargo-guarnieri-no-tempo-da-carta-aberta.jpg)

After the era of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Camargo Guarnieri became the best known Brazilian composer. His music is as imbued with the same quality of "Brazilianness" (Brasilidad) as that of his predecessor, and it is not as polyphonically complex. Camargo Guarnieri is particularly noted for his art songs and dance pieces, many of which have also been successful as popular songs.

Camargo Guarnieri's father was a Sicilian immigrant who gave each of his children a name honoring a great composer. At age ten, Camargo Guarnieri began to fulfill the implied promise of his name by beginning musical studies. In 1923, the family moved to São Paolo, where he took piano lessons; to help support the family and to pay for further musical studies he played in silent theater orchestras and in café bands. He also took classes at the São Paolo Musical and Theater Conservatory, studying composition and conducting.

Camargo Guarnieri's work in the popular music field and his contact with the nationalist Brazilian ethnomusicologist Mario de Andrade influenced him to adopt Brazilian popular and folk influences in much of his music. By the time he was 21 he had written his Brazilian Dance and his Canção Sertaneja, highly popular pieces (the dance is his best-known work outside of Brazil) that put him on the road to renown. In 1927, he was appointed to teach piano at the Conservatory. His reputation was bolstered by the appearance of the early installments in his body of songs, one of the most important by any Latin American composer.

In 1935, the city of São Paulo founded its own Department of Culture. Camargo Guarnieri took over its conducting position and gained special esteem as a choral conductor. In 1938 a government fellowship enabled him to study in Paris. He took counterpoint, fugue, composition, and musical aesthetics courses from composer Charles Koechlin, undertook conducting studies with Franz Rühlmann, and, like so many other twentieth-century composers, attended master classes with Nadia Boulanger. His biographers agree that he returned from Paris with greatly increased confidence in his compositional skills, and he began to write larger-scale works. In 1942, his violin concerto was the first prize of the Philadelphia Free Library Fleischer Music Collection. His small symphonic piece Encantamento became especially popular. Early in the 1940s, his first two symphonies were premiered in Brazil and the U.S. The Symphony No. 2 became known as a "Symphony of the Americas."

In 1945, he was appointed conductor of the São Paolo Symphony Orchestra, and in 1960 he became director of the Conservatory.

Most of his music included a variety Brazilian national elements. One of the main differences between Camargo Guarnieri's outlook and that of Villa-Lobos is that Camargo Guarnieri avoids the sense of the mysterious or exotic that is a frequently a trait of his older compatriot's works. His Symphony No. 3 (1952) was dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the founding of São Paolo. Some critics consider his Symphony No. 6 his finest achievement in the form. Aside from opera and other stage genres, Camargo Guarnieri wrote in virtually every genre of classical music. His violin sonatas are particularly well respected among chamber music players, but the crown jewel of his oeuvre is his series of over 200 songs. These adroitly reflect the main currents of Brazilian music: Portuguese, Afro-Brazilian, and Amerindian. Many of them have been adapted by Brazilian popular musicians.

Guarnieri began to adopt 12-tone elements in his music around 1960, but then took time off from composition to reconsider his aesthetic approach. Finally he returned to his established style, if anything increasing the emphasis on national and popular elements. He died in São Paolo just a few weeks short of his 86th birthday.

[Article taken from All Music Guide]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This composer is recognized as the most original composer to come out of Brazil since Villa-Lobos. The interesting thing is I can hear links between both composer's music. The most glaringly obvious similarity is the last movement of his Symphony No. 1with it's highly charged percussion.

I'm still digging into his music, but I would be interested to know what all the GMG members think about his music. Most Latin American composers are neglected, so it wouldn't surprise me that this thread gets much activity.
Title: Re: M. Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: lescamil on November 30, 2010, 11:53:31 AM
There are complete cycles of both his symphonies and his piano concertos that are worth picking up. I am still exploring and absorbing them, so I cannot say much, other than that he is definitely a composer that puts Brazil's native musical culture on the map, right after Villa-Lobos.
Title: Re: M. Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on November 30, 2010, 11:59:32 AM
Quote from: lescamil on November 30, 2010, 11:53:31 AM
There are complete cycles of both his symphonies and his piano concertos that are worth picking up. I am still exploring and absorbing them, so I cannot say much, other than that he is definitely a composer that puts Brazil's native musical culture on the map, right after Villa-Lobos.

I own the Neschling/BIS cycle and it is excellent. I'm about to pick up the Naxos recordings of the piano concerti.
Title: Re: M. Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Daverz on November 30, 2010, 12:53:22 PM
Here is his Choro for Cello & Orchestra - Aldo Parisot, cello; Gustav Meier conducting the Vienna State Opera Orchestra.  From a Music Guild Lp.

http://www.mediafire.com/?gyzjniwm4i5 (http://www.mediafire.com/?gyzjniwm4i5) (74M flac)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 07:03:44 AM
(In the loudest, most sarcastic voice imaginable) Boy, you people really like Latin American music don't you? ::)

This composer barely has one page! Anyway, I've been digging through Guarnieri's symphonic cycle yet again and really enjoying the music. There can be some comparisons made to Villa-Lobos (arguably the most important Brazilian composer of all-time), but they are small similarities. These symphonies are as tight as a drum structurally and incorporate lots of distinctive counterpoint especially in the many vigorous string passages that seem to permeate much of the faster movements in the symphonies. There are also many moments of great lyrical beauty.

For anyone interested in Brazilian classical music, I strongly recommend Guarnieri's symphonies as a starting point. The Neschling BIS series is simply outstanding and I cannot think this man enough for bringing these works to a wider audience.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 08:58:16 AM
The John Neschling Guarnieri symphony series on BIS:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51szWWSd9lL._SX300_.jpg)

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Mar04/Guarnieri_symphony1-4.htm

(http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/300x300/32955475.jpg)

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2002/Oct02/Guarnieri.htm

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Jan05/Guarnieri56_BISCD1320.jpg)

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Jan05/guarnieri_neschling.htm
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 02:00:02 PM
I have symphonies 2 and 3 which I like very much.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 02:06:44 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 02:00:02 PM
I have symphonies 2 and 3 which I like very much.

You should definitely buy the rest of them, Jeffrey. Symphony No. 6 is outstanding in particular, especially the slow movement.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 03:30:05 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 02:06:44 PM
You should definitely buy the rest of them, Jeffrey. Symphony No. 6 is outstanding in particular, especially the slow movement.

Actually in my (unsuccessful) search for the Honegger set tonight I discovered two other BIS Guarnieri symphonies CDs  ::)

I have just played Symphony No 3 (twice) which I have the highest opinion of. There is a lovely, life-enhancing section from 3mins and c12 seconds into the first movement and a great 'triumph over the odds' conclusion to the whole work.  It strikes me John that if you like this you would also like the symphonies 4 and 9 + shorter works by Claudio Santoro (1919-1989) also on BIS. You may know this already.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 03:36:24 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 03:30:05 PM
Actually in my (unsuccessful) search for the Honegger set tonight I discovered two other BIS Guarnieri symphonies CDs  ::)

I have just played Symphony No 3 (twice) which I have the highest opinion of. There is a lovely, life-enhancing section from 3mins and c12 seconds into the first movement and a great 'triumph over the odds' conclusion to the whole work.  It strikes me John that if you like this you would also like the symphonies 4 and 9 + shorter works by Claudio Santoro (1919-1989) also on BIS. You may know this already.

Ha! Still can't find the Honegger eh? Oh well, you'll find it. Yes, Symphony No. 3 is a great work. I'll listen to it again really soon. Do listen to Symphony No. 6 at some point. I do own that Santoro BIS recording and I've only listened to it once. May be time to dig it back out. Kudos for the reminder! :)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 03:47:00 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 03:36:24 PM
Ha! Still can't find the Honegger eh? Oh well, you'll find it. Yes, Symphony No. 3 is a great work. I'll listen to it again really soon. Do listen to Symphony No. 6 at some point. I do own that Santoro BIS recording and I've only listened to it once. May be time to dig it back out. Kudos for the reminder! :)

Try Santoro Symphony 4.  When the chorus comes in it has a similar life-enhancing quality to the Guarnieri. Yes, I'll try Symphony No 6.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 03:52:45 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 03:47:00 PM
Try Santoro Symphony 4.  When the chorus comes in it has a similar life-enhancing quality to the Guarnieri. Yes, I'll try Symphony No 6.

I remember Santoro's Symphony No. 4 containing a chorus. The entry is kind of startling at first but it is so uplifting.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 04:04:13 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 03:52:45 PM
I remember Santoro's Symphony No. 4 containing a chorus. The entry is kind of startling at first but it is so uplifting.

Yes - I agree and the feeling reminded me of that section in the first movement of Guarnieri's Third Symphony.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 03, 2013, 04:17:03 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 03, 2013, 04:04:13 PM
Yes - I agree and the feeling reminded me of that section in the first movement of Guarnieri's Third Symphony.

Have you heard any of his piano concerti, Jeffrey? I bought the Naxos recordings earlier today. Look forward to digging into these.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 09, 2013, 08:39:34 PM
No opinion of the piano concerti, Jeffrey. Right now, I'm listening to Piano Concerto No. 1. That first movement was like a burst of feral energy. The second movement, the slow movement, is quite beautiful. I look forward to exploring the rest.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 09, 2013, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 09, 2013, 08:39:34 PM
No opinion of the piano concerti, Jeffrey. Right now, I'm listening to Piano Concerto No. 1. That first movement was like a burst of feral energy. The second movement, the slow movement, is quite beautiful. I look forward to exploring the rest.

Don't have PC John - but intend to listen to Symphony No 6 later today.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 10, 2013, 07:01:33 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 09, 2013, 11:13:48 PM
Don't have PC John - but intend to listen to Symphony No 6 later today.

Symphony No. 6 is outstanding. I look forward to hearing your impressions of it.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 11, 2013, 07:08:29 AM
I listened to Symphony No 6. I found the first movement a bit too 'busy' and rather dense but liked the slow movement. On first hearing I did not like it as much as No 3, which is a very fine work.  But I want to listen to Symphony No 6 again.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Mirror Image on April 11, 2013, 07:41:39 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 11, 2013, 07:08:29 AM
I listened to Symphony No 6. I found the first movement a bit too 'busy' and rather dense but liked the slow movement. On first hearing I did not like it as much as No 3, which is a very fine work.  But I want to listen to Symphony No 6 again.

Busy and dense. That's the way I like it. ;) The slow movement is really the heart of the symphony with that last climax really taking the breath away.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on April 11, 2013, 12:58:02 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 11, 2013, 07:41:39 AM
Busy and dense. That's the way I like it. ;) The slow movement is really the heart of the symphony with that last climax really taking the breath away.

Will listen again tomorrow.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: ritter on April 20, 2016, 06:51:22 AM
Well, being still under the spell of my recent trip to Rio de janeiro, I've decided to continue my exploration of Brazilian classical music. As Villa-Lobos (with whom I've been familiar with for years) has fallen a bit out of favour with me as of late, I'm giving Guarnieri a try with these:

[asin]B0000CGP2R[/asin]
[asin]B0007ORDXQ[/asin]

I also added a CD by the (roughly) contemporary Francisco Mignone (who, AFAIK, has no specific thread yet on GMG):

[asin]B00078JVX2[/asin]

Looking forwrad to all these  :)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Brian on October 21, 2022, 12:17:20 PM
Reviving this thread after six years of dormancy because Guarnieri has been one of my great/favorite explorations of the last 1-2 years. What an extraordinary composer - maybe my favorite from South America at this point.

This might be the ideal starting point:

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/23/66/0747313266623_600.jpg)

The piano concerto cycle moves fairly continuously along an arc from populism to abstract/modernism. The First is a 20-minute romp with a beautiful slow movement, great jazzy finale tunes, and in the finale a powerful jungle-evocative effect which I think is maybe an off-key tuba blatting out staccato notes? The spectacular ending is one of two variants (the whole score had to be reconstructed), and while I'd like to hear the other, this one's great.

The Second concerto is a little more sophisticated in its blending of European and Brazilian idioms; it might bring to mind Bartok a little more. Or even Ravel's G major concerto or Poulenc in the utterly gorgeous slow movement. The finale, instead of going for a specific dance form like in the First, opts for a wild toccata-like rush of colors, snare drum, wind solos, and primal partying.

The Third concerto, written 18 years later, represents a big, dramatic jump in musical language, and the opening announces this right away: percussive, violent, almost like a South American take on Hindemith or (more strongly than before) Bartok. Maybe Copland in his not-populist mode. But you can tell the Brazilian roots are still there in the slower music, lyrical tunes, wind solos, and long central cadenza. The "Festivo" finale, too, just puts a little more harmonically sophisticated gloss on a delightful party scene.

I can't tell if the concertos are all written in continuous movements without pauses, or if Naxos just didn't leave enough of a gap between each track. The Warsaw Philharmonic sound is more diffuse than their later, better-engineered albums from this venue, but, unsurprisingly from one of the world's best orchestras, they are totally convincing.

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/70/26/0747313262670_600.jpg)

The main meat of the solo piano collection is a series of miniatures called the Ponteios, which are a little like bittersweet Latin Grieg Lyric Pieces, or grumpy Mompou. I can't binge-listen to them as much as I can to those other composers, but they are interesting collections. The dances which precede the collection on CD1 are among Guarnieri's most overtly populist, "fun" pieces.

More to come, I'm gonna go through the full symphony cycle. (Just started with No. 1, which is not my favorite.)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on October 21, 2022, 01:59:41 PM
The inspiriting Symphony No.3 is my favourite:
(//)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: kyjo on October 22, 2022, 05:13:49 PM
I don't think I've ever heard a work by Guarnieri that I haven't liked (maybe one his later PCs?) - a very consistent composer who is the perfect complement to his compatriot Villa-Lobos in his greater emphasis on formal clarity, but not at the expense of "Brazilian" character. As Jeffrey mentions, his scintillating 3rd Symphony is a standout, but I enjoy them all very much, as well as the Choros recently released by Naxos (especially the ones for piano and clarinet). One can trace his style from more straightforwardly neoclassical early in his career to more astringent and "gritty" later on, but it's not as drastic a change as we see in the styles of, say, Ginastera or Braga Santos.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: vandermolen on October 22, 2022, 06:52:43 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 22, 2022, 05:13:49 PM
I don't think I've ever heard a work by Guarnieri that I haven't liked (maybe one his later PCs?) - a very consistent composer who is the perfect complement to his compatriot Villa-Lobos in his greater emphasis on formal clarity, but not at the expense of "Brazilian" character. As Jeffrey mentions, his scintillating 3rd Symphony is a standout, but I enjoy them all very much, as well as the Choros recently released by Naxos (especially the ones for piano and clarinet). One can trace his style from more straightforwardly neoclassical early in his career to more astringent and "gritty" later on, but it's not as drastic a change as we see in the styles of, say, Ginastera or Braga Santos.
Interesting Kyle. I just found that I have a Naxos CD of the PCs which I hope to listen to soon. I'm glad that you also think highly of Symphony No.3
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Roasted Swan on October 22, 2022, 11:45:26 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 22, 2022, 06:52:43 PM
Interesting Kyle. I just found that I have a Naxos CD of the PCs which I hope to listen to soon. I'm glad that you also think highly of Symphony No.3

I have always thought one of the early PC's would make a great Proms piece - not a note of Guarnieri has ever been played at the Proms which is a small scanadal in itself and the PC's would be a great fun introduction and a definite hit.......
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Brian on October 24, 2022, 08:38:18 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 22, 2022, 05:13:49 PM
I don't think I've ever heard a work by Guarnieri that I haven't liked (maybe one his later PCs?) - a very consistent composer who is the perfect complement to his compatriot Villa-Lobos in his greater emphasis on formal clarity, but not at the expense of "Brazilian" character. As Jeffrey mentions, his scintillating 3rd Symphony is a standout, but I enjoy them all very much, as well as the Choros recently released by Naxos (especially the ones for piano and clarinet). One can trace his style from more straightforwardly neoclassical early in his career to more astringent and "gritty" later on, but it's not as drastic a change as we see in the styles of, say, Ginastera or Braga Santos.
I agree with not just every sentence, but every phrase of what you said here. I was gonna try to say something more specifically nice about one part, but all the parts are 100% true.  ;D

-

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/01/29/7318590012901_600.jpg)

I was not a big fan of Symphony No. 1, which is 33 minutes long and not especially memorable in its material. However, No. 4 is very short - only 18 minutes - and has a load of punch. The outer movements are so fast and energetic, they're wild, and the middle one is almost like he has been drained of energy because of it. It's also marked tragic. The piece still works despite the contrast. Lots of fun and lots of journey packed into a tight space. The Abertura Festiva is one of the works where Guarnieri writes "pop" type music in a sophisticated harmonic idiom more like his European teachers.

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/08/22/7318590012208_600.jpg)

This is all hits, baby! Symphony No. 2 is more of the rollicking populist youngster you hear in the early piano concertos (check out the jazzy ending to the first movement). There's a great slow solo for cor anglais, and even a melody entrusted to contrabassoon. One of the themes in the slow movement is utterly gorgeous, with a rich full-string statement near the end. And in the finale, a cello tune pays tribute to Villa-Lobos. It's a really fun piece, as is Abertura Concertante, a totally successful sonata form dedicated to Aaron Copland.

I think the reason that we all love Symphony No. 3 so much is that it's the first one with real emotional depth and expression. The others have basically two moods: on, and off. Either they're bursting with energy, or they're calmly working through gorgeous lyrical solos. This one has a real variety of moods and energies, while still showing Guarnieri's loyalty to classical form and structure. It's the most diverse of the first four symphonies. (It's also the longest, but has more focus than No. 1.) Just so darn good!

One thing I learned reading the booklet is - BIS never completed their symphony cycle! Symphony No. 7 is still out there. I don't know anything about it, let alone its length, but could Naxos record it alongside the two violin concertos? Sure hope so.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Brian on October 24, 2022, 04:40:07 PM
Quote from: Brian on October 24, 2022, 08:38:18 AM
One thing I learned reading the booklet is - BIS never completed their symphony cycle! Symphony No. 7 is still out there. I don't know anything about it, let alone its length, but could Naxos record it alongside the two violin concertos? Sure hope so.
One more thing for my Naxos wishlist: the cello sonatas. Leonard Bernstein performed the piano part of one in concert.
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: JBS on October 24, 2022, 05:04:35 PM
Does the Seventh Symphony actually exist? Wikipedia lists only six symphonies

The Violin Concertos were recorded on DVD by a Brazilian outfit, but the Brazilian vendor was so dilatory responding to emails (I was trying to make sure the DVD was playable on USA equipment) I decided not to get it.

ETA
The Amazon listing now says it is unavailable
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EJRrmqVAL._AC_SY780_.jpg)
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Brian on October 24, 2022, 06:34:51 PM
Quote from: JBS on October 24, 2022, 05:04:35 PM
Does the Seventh Symphony actually exist? Wikipedia lists only six symphonies
From the BIS series booklet notes (the disc containing 2 and 3):

"Guarnieri composed one other orchestral overture, the Festiva, as well as seven symphonies composed between 1944 and 1985.... In three movements (of Guarnieri's symphonies, only the Seventh is in two movements)"

Symphony No. 6 is dated from 1981.

There is also this PDF compilation of Guarnieri's orchestral works (http://gulabin.com/composers/pdf/CAMARGO%20GUARNIERI.pdf) by our very own (former) GMGer Dundonnell.

I just found his PDF and am intrigued by the timings he listed for some works that do not have major recordings. Here are some programs one could put together for future CDs:

Violin Concerto No. 1 (21')
Violin Concerto No. 2 (19')
Piano Concertino (19') (not in the Naxos cycle)
Choro for orchestra (15') (undated and not in the Naxos cycle, not sure what Dundonnell's source was here)
= 74'

Encantemento (6')
Prologue and Fugue (8')

No timings hinted at:
Symphony No. 7
Brasiliana Suite
Variations for Piano and Orchestra
Suite Centenario
Concerto for string orchestra and percussion
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: JBS on October 24, 2022, 07:29:54 PM
PDF link doesn't work for me.
Edit: now it worked, thank you.
I'll assume Wikipedia stumbled here.

He also wrote two one act operas, presumably they would be one CD each
Title: Re: Camargo Guarnieri (1907 - 1993)
Post by: Brian on October 25, 2022, 08:56:16 AM
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/05/32/7318590013205_600.jpg)

I've figured out who Guarnieri reminds me of: Roussel. This is especially true in the later symphonies like 5 and 6, where the spiky rhythms, tart harmonies, and somewhat mysterious tonality add a modernist edge to the folksy percussion and lyrical melodies. It's like a natural, southerly progression from the late Roussel symphonies or the Frenchman's piano concerto. Guarnieri's Fifth has the one really unusual feature of any of the symphonies recorded by BIS: the orchestra plays a folk tune, and then at the end, a choir pops up to sing it. The piece is still only 20 minutes long, so in its brevity and unusual form, you might think of Langgaard. Only, of course, it doesn't sound anything like Langgaard.

Vila Rica Suite is much earlier, and fits more into the jovial, folksy sound-world of the first two piano concertos. It contains overtly pictorial movements (one 54 seconds long) and Brazilian dance forms. A first-rate populist concert opener.