Guarnieri: Piano Concertos No 1, 2 & 3 / Barros, Conlin

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We can only hope that this disc signals the beginning of a complete cycle of the six piano concertos of Camargo Guarnieri, for these are wonderful works in the ethnic/modern/neoclassical tradition of, say, Bartók, although the melodic idiom naturally recalls Villa-Lobos, but with form. In this respect, Guarnieri really was the better composer: compared to the piano concertos of his more illustrious compatriot you will find here a real give-and-take between soloist and orchestra, with characterful thematic material cogently presented and tautly developed. Best of all is the Concerto No. 2, which very well could become quite popular, though No. 1 is the most idiomatically folk-like, while No. 3 is a touch more spiky.


The performances are excellent. Max Barros addresses the sometimes brilliant and always idiomatic solo parts with enthusiasm and a sure sense of where the music wants to go, and he always finds the lyricism in Guarnieri's pungent melodies. All three slow movements are quite beautiful. Thomas Conlin offers able support and gets very respectable results from the Warsaw Philharmonic, and it's to their credit that they never sound uncomfortable with what must be a very unfamiliar idiom. Sonically this production could do with a touch more clarity and dryness, though balances are well-judged and the piano is effectively represented. Now that the symphonies are also available (from BIS), Guarnieri's achievement is at last coming into focus, and it's very impressive indeed.
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com


Product Description:


  • Catalog Number: 8557666


  • UPC: 747313266623


  • Label: Naxos


  • Composer: Camargo Mozart Guarnieri


  • Conductor: Thomas Conlin


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra


  • Performer: Max Barros