Villa-Lobos: Works for Harmonica

Dive into the rich and diverse musical landscape of Heitor Villa-Lobos with "Villa-Lobos: Works for Harmonica." This captivating album, released on Naxos in 2018, showcases the versatility and expressive power of the harmonica through a collection of 17 tracks that span a total of 1 hour and 3 minutes. Villa-Lobos, a prolific Brazilian composer, was renowned for his innovative approach to music, and this album is a testament to his genius, featuring arrangements for harmonica and orchestra that highlight the instrument's unique capabilities.

The album opens with the Harmonica Concerto, Op. 86, W524, a three-movement work that transforms the humble harmonica into a commanding presence. Composed four years after his Guitar Concerto, this piece demonstrates Villa-Lobos' ability to explore and expand the possibilities of various instruments. The concerto is followed by a selection of pieces from Villa-Lobos' "Bachianas Brasileiras" and "Modinhas e Canções," as well as other works arranged for harmonica and orchestra. Each track offers a glimpse into the composer's distinctive style, blending Brazilian folk elements with classical forms.

Performed by the talented Robert Bonfiglio on harmonica, with the New York Chamber Symphony conducted by Gerard Schwarz, this album is a celebration of Villa-Lobos' musical legacy. The arrangements, some of which were specifically created for this recording by Roberto Bonfiglio, bring out the rich textures and rhythms of Villa-Lobos' compositions, making this album a must-listen for fans of neoclassical music and anyone looking to explore the harmonica's potential in a classical context.