The idea for Villa-Lobos's Douze Études for guitar came from a meeting with Andrés Segovia, a charismatic guitarist, who asked for one étude, and Villa-Lobos wrote twelve.
Composition History
Villa-Lobos's anthology of children's songs, Guia prático, from 1932, features arrangements adaptable for various ensembles, reflecting his role in national musical education.
Notable Performances
Villa-Lobos conducted his 'symphonic episode' O papagaio do moleque (The little boy's kite) at his very last concert on July 12, 1959.
Interpretation
Andrea Bissoli, the guitarist on this recording, plays a 1917 Manuel Ramírez guitar, signed by Santos Hernández, chosen for its connection to Andrés Segovia's legendary instrument.
Compositional Technique
Villa-Lobos's 1911 piano piece, Tarantela, may have been composed 'guitar in hand,' as evidenced by guitar-specific markings and a harmonic pattern shared with his Étude No. 1.
Composer Biography
Heitor Villa-Lobos, the composer, received his first cello lessons from his father, who used a viola as it was more suited to a child's size.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Villa-Lobos's music is deeply influenced by the varied Amerindian, African, and Portuguese traditions of Brazil, which he translated for concert halls and theatres.
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