Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Complete Works for Solo Guitar (2025)

Following his exploration of Spain with the music of Federico Moreno Torroba (BIS-2725), Franz Halasz now takes us to Brazil with the complete works for solo guitar by Heitor Villa-Lobos. The music of this extremely prolific composer often combines the influences of European classical music with the popular and traditional music of his homeland, which he played from an early age. The twelve etudes, thoroughly modern, are to the guitar what Chopin's etudes are to the piano. Andres Segovia put it perfectly: 'They present, at the same time, formulas of an amazing efficiency for the development of two-handed technique, and disinterested musical beauty.' In contrast, the Suite populaire bresilienne and Choros No. 1 reflect the composer's youthful experiences as a 'choro' musician playing Brazilian street music, and offer a fusion of the characteristics of traditional music. Finally, the five Preludes return to Brazilian folklore, of which they offer a synthesis in the form of five tableaux inspired by the popular repertoire. This recording also features two rarities: the recently discovered Valse-Choro and the unfinished Valsa Concerto No. 2, completed by Debora Halasz. An evocative blend of syncopated rhythms, exotic harmonies, sensual melodies… and guitaristic flamboyance!

TRACKLIST

1. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: I. Allegro non troppo — des arpèges
2. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: II. Allegro — des arpèges
3. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: III. Allegro moderato — des arpèges
4. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: IV. Un peu modéré — des accords répétés
5. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: V. Andantino
6. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: VI. Poco allegro
7. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: VII. Très animé
8. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: VIII. Modéré
9. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: IX. Très peu animé — des ornements
10. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: X. Très animé
11. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: XI. Lent — Animé — Lent
12. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Douze Études, W. 235: XII. Animé
13. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Suite populaire brésilienne, W. 020: I. Mazurka-Chôro
14. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Suite populaire brésilienne, W. 020: II. Schottisch-Chôro
15. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Suite populaire brésilienne, W. 020: III. Valsa-Chôro
16. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Suite populaire brésilienne, W. 020: IV. Gavotta-Chôro
17. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Suite populaire brésilienne, W. 020: V. Chôrinho
18. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Valse-Chôro
19. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Chôros No. 1, W. 161 "Chôro típico"
20. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Valsa Concerto No. 2, W. 009 (Completed by Débora Halász)
21. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Cinq Préludes, W. 419: No. 2, Homenagem ao Malandro Carioca
22. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Cinq Préludes, W. 419: No. 3, Homenagem а Bach
23. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Cinq Préludes, W. 419: No. 5, Homenagem а Vida Social
24. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Cinq Préludes, W. 419: No. 4, Homenagem ao Índio Brasileiro
25. Franz Halász - Villa-Lobos: Cinq Préludes, W. 419: No. 1, Homenagem ao Sertanejo Brasileiro