Henrique Oswald was one of the most important composers in South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His European-influenced music was suppressed...

Henrique Oswald was one of the most important composers in South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His European-influenced music was suppressed by Brazilian nationalist sentiment in the 1930s and 40s, but on Oswald’s death Villa-Lobos described him as “the most admirable composer of this country”. This programme provides an excellent overview of his stylistic development, from the youthful, salon music aesthetic of Pagine d’album (album leaves, influenced by similarly titled works by Robert Schumann and others) to the French impressionism of the Album Op. 36 and the masterful Trois Études.

Streamed over 9,000,000 times and counting!

---------------------

REVIEWS:

All these miniatures are beautiful and exquisite, and this is an immensely enjoyable recital. The mood is generally congenial, sometimes melancholy, and without emotional extremes. …Monteiro plays well…

© 2016 American Record Guide

----------------

Brazilian-born Henrique Oswald was the most famous composer working in South America in the 20th century, though his music came from years spent in Europe. 

... At the heart of Sergio Monteiro’s programme we have the three Albums that are highly attractive and obviously intended for the sheet music market, technical difficulties kept within the realms of amateur pianists. The Three Etudes are musically on a different planet, with more weight and substance, though please also look out the Marco Parlo disc where the works are of more substance. The multi-awarding winning Brazilian pianist is a persuasive champion, and the use of a small recording venue reinforces the music’s salon credentials.

© 2015 David’s Review Corner