Customer Reviews

Brasiliana: 3 Centuries of Brazilian Music/Var

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Mr. Cohen has succeeded in putting together what is most representative in centuries of Brazilian music. It is an important research into quality music, although most of the pieces recorded are hardly known. This makes the selection even more exquisite and pleasantly surprising. Highly recommend to anyone seriously interested in Brazilian classical music who wants to get acquainted with more than Villa-Lobos. It is an enchanting promenade among genres that range from the baroque to the modern.

Last month I heard Arnaldo Cohen give a stunning, witty, elegant performance of Liszt's Piano Concerto #1. As an encore, he played Ernesto Nazareth's Apanhei-te, Cavaquinho, a piece imitating a tiny guitar. It was captivating. When I saw it was on this CD, i bought it. The disc contains short pieces from the Brazilian Baroque through 20th-century works. Most have connections to Brazilian folk and dance music. The musical quality of the pieces ranges from average to superb. Many of this miniatures are gems you will want to hear again and again. Pianists should consider exploring this music.

As to the performer, Cohen plays with energy and brilliance, always producing a gorgeous piano sound. In the lyrical pieces he is expressive without ever getting uncomfortable schmaltzy. A great musician/pianist!