Villa-Lobos: Forest of the Amazon

Heitor Villa-Lobos (Composer), Alfred Heller (Conductor), Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Renée Fleming (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Renée Fleming
• Orchestra: Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Alfred Heller
• Composer: Heitor Villa-Lobos
• Audio CD (April 3, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Delos Records
• ASIN: B00005B16V
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,717 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the conductor, July 12, 2006

By 

Alfred Heller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Villa-Lobos: Forest of the Amazon (Audio CD)

Ivorx's review of my recording as well as his/her comments about Villa-Lobos are steeped in inaccuracies.

1. It was not a session orchestra that Villa-lobos conducted, but the Symphony of the Air (NBC Symphony Orchestra).

2. My recording was not just a little longer, but 27 minutes longer (circa 74 minutes total) and included the entire composition. It represented a critical edition.

3. Sadly the Villa-Lobos recording of circa 47 minutes was made when he was ill, done in one day and they kept him there until 2:00AM the next morning as reported to me by pianist Felicja Blumental.

4. Villa-Lobos was my friend and mentor. I watched him orchestrate, "Forest of the Amazon" in December 1958 and I coached Bidú Sayao for his recording.

It irks me to see the uninformed write such a pontifical review as well as an inaccurate one to match his/her arrogance. After a very long time, I finally became irritated enough to say something. Apologies to all for not having done this sooner

I am not saying to buy my recording, but the Ivorx review is absurd. It is based on nothing at all and misinforms the reader. This person owes apologies to the memory of Villa-Lobos and the memories of the excellent musicians who played for his album as well as one to Amazon.com.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent work, August 13, 2006

By 

Russ (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Villa-Lobos: Forest of the Amazon (Audio CD)

"Forest of the Amazon" dating from 1959 was one of Heitor Villa-Lobos' (1887-1959) last works. Much of the music was derived from the composer's film score to "Green Mansions" starring Audrey Hepburn and Anthony Perkins. However, the final score was provided by a different composer, who quoted Villa-Lobos here and there, but provided his own music elsewhere. According to the conductor, Alfred Heller, Villa-Lobos was very angry about this and, in response, developed "Forest of the Amazon" from his film score.

"Forest of the Amazon" is, more or less, a 74-minute symphonic poem. The work is divided into 20 sections here, however each section flows into another without a break. Despite the length, this work holds the listener's attention throughout. Villa-Lobos was a brilliant orchestrator and knew how to write a great melody. I was immediately lured into this work by the powerful and evocative overture (Track 1). Other exciting sections include "On the way to the Hunt" (Track 9) and "Head Hunters" (Track 16). The imaginative use of male voices and percussion definitely give "Forest of the Amazon" an exotic flavor. Of course the singing by Renée Fleming is lovely, and Villa-Lobos' melodies for the soprano solo are beautiful and memorable. As an example, listen to "Love Song" (Track 17) or "Sentimental Melody" (Track 18). Amazingly, the symphonic poem is a cohesive work; with early themes reappearing later in the work. Yet the piece is incredibly varied, in which the listener takes an Amazonian journey though Villa-Lobos' unique sound world, which incorporates ethnic, popular and classical elements.

I have two (very slight) reservations about this release. First, the present release represents a remastering of a 1994/1995 recording. Although, the sound quality of the remastering is quite good, it may not be up to the excellent standards of CPO's recordings of the Villa-Lobos symphonies. Second, there is an electronic instrument that accompanies the soprano in certain places (Track 4 and Track 6 for instance). I am not familiar with this instrument, but it is one of which I am not particularly fond. However, its presence is not extensive.

Overall, I should mention that the playing by the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, led by the enthusiastic Alfred Heller, is quite good. In fact, we owe many thanks to Alfred Heller, whose research and dedication made this recording possible.

So in conclusion, this release is wholly recommendable to both fans of Villa-Lobos and those who may be new to this master. In "Forest of the Amazon" Villa-Lobos fully explores the evocative potential of the modern orchestra. This is a major statement by a major composer.

Highly recommended.

74:05

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sheer sonic lushness, August 27, 2005

By 

J. M. Marks (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Villa-Lobos: Forest of the Amazon (Audio CD)

I have listened to this album FIVE times since it arrived today. This is simply gorgeous stuff. Villa-Lobos is well represented here, from the Choros - like primitivism of the Overture to the rich lyricism of the "Sentimental Melody" which brings to mind the composer's famous Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5. If you are thinking of dipping your toe in the immense ocean of Villa-Lobos's works, this album is a splendid introduction. If you are already an enthusiast, this work (and this performance of it -- Renee Fleming is at her best here) will delight you. The orchestra IS a rain forest in this composer's hands, and it is full of mysterious delights and terrifying beauty at every turn.