Villa-Lobos: Complete Works for Solo Guitar

After his exploration of Spain through the music of Federico Moreno Torroba, Franz Halász now transports us to Brazil with the complete works for solo guitar by Heitor Villa-Lobos. The music of this highly prolific composer often combines the influences of European classical music with the popular and traditional music of his homeland. The twelve thoroughly modern Etudes are to the guitar what Frédéric Chopin's Etudes are to the piano. In contrast, the “Suite populaire brésilienne” and “Chôros No. 1” reflect the composer's youthful experiences as a “Chôro” musician playing Brazilian street music, and offer a fusion of the characteristics of traditional music. Finally, the five Préludes return to Brazilian folklore. This recording also contains two rarities: the recently discovered “Valse-Chôro” and the unfinished “Valsa Concerto No. 2,” which was completed by Débora Halász. Latin Grammy-winning guitarist Franz Halász achieved international fame through his victories at the Andrés Segovia and Seto-Ohashi competitions. He is known for his acclaimed recordings of composers such as Turina, Piazzolla, and Bach and has performed on stage worldwide with top musicians and orchestras.