Branco/ Ravel/ Villa-Lobos: Violin Sonatas

An explosion of joy, infectious, and frothy; a jazz-based imagination of the highest order. — Fanfare More…

Release Date: 20th May 2022
Catalogue No: KTC1750
Label: Etcetera

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Freitas Branco: Violin Sonata No. 1

Bruno Monteiro (violin), Joao Paulo Santos (piano)

Ravel: Violin Sonata in G major

Bruno Monteiro (violin), Joao Paulo Santos (piano)

Villa-Lobos: Sonate-fantaisie No. 2 for violin & piano, Op. 49

Bruno Monteiro (violin), Joao Paulo Santos (piano)

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About

The pianist Joao Paulo Santos and I have performed the three sonatas recorded on this CD many times in concert. In our view, they are masterpieces of the literature for these two instruments, and, two in particular, those by Freitas Branco and Villa-Lobos, are still little known by music lovers.

This seems strange, since the works reflect the incontestable talent of two major composers, one Portuguese, the other Brazilian, who were, in their time, masters of their art.

We hope that the interpretations presented here will contribute to greater appreciation for these works.

- Bruno Monteiro

Bruno Monteiro is variously described as:

one of Portugals premier violinists (Publico Magazine); having a burnished golden tone (Fanfare Magazine); the Strad characterises his playing as ardent and heroic and finally, Gramophone praises his unfailing assurance and eloquence.

Born in Lisbon in 1959, the pianist Joo Paulo Santos is a graduate of the Lisbon National Conservatory.

Reviews

An explosion of joy, infectious, and frothy; a jazz-based imagination of the highest order.

Passionately-entertaining and original musical, lovingly presented in a powerfully-successful reading from both performers.

Musical Opinion

Bruno Monteiro is an admirable artist, a truly fine violinist, and he is superbly partnered here by João Paulo Santos. The booklet notes and presentation are immaculate: this disc is strongly recommended.

Pizzicato

Bruno Monteiro plays with great refinement and fine eloquence. His technique is up to the many demands and his playing sounds free and spontaneous.

Luister Magazine

It is a way of playing perfectly balanced at the highest level. The recording technique keeps violin and piano in exemplary balance across a wide dynamic spectrum. This masterful Portuguese-French-Brazilian mix is too good.

Opus Klassiek

His technical mastery is perfect, the panorama extremely evocative. The phrases sound spontaneous, the intuitive nature of their execution brings an enchanting multicolor as well as adventure. In short, we are dealing here with a top violinist.

Branco/ Ravel/ Villa-Lobos: Violin Sonatas

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