Reminiscences of Brazil
The debut Divine Art album from American pianist Justin Badgerow is a program of exotic dance rhythms, sensual textures and colors from four Brazilian composers together with the exquisite Saudades do Brasil of Milhaud. Highly influenced by traditional and indigenous music and the landscapes of Brazil, this is music of infectious delight, and includes both well known works from Villa-Lobos and sparkling miniatures from Mignone, Gondim and Guarnieri.
Justin Badgerow obtained a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Colorado after earning Bachelors and Masters degrees at the Universities of Texas and Central Florida. He serves on various important committees and boards and is currently Associate Professor of Music at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. A champion of Latin-American music, he has performed as a soloist throughout the USA and in Mexico, Brazil and South Africa. He has also enjoyed much success in chamber music collaborations.
In this, his first solo recording, he demonstrates a close affinity with the music, imbuing every track with outstanding musicianship.
Track Listing
-
Francisco Mignone:
- Seis Preludios - I. Andantino (1:28)
- Seis Preludios - II. Allegro (0:58)
- Seis Preludios - III. Allegro (0:59)
- Seis Preludios - IV. Calmo e sereno (2:08)
- Seis Preludios - V. Moderato (2:03)
- Seis Preludios - VI. Caiçaras: Solenne (2:54) Heitor Villa-Lobos:
- Bachianas Brasilerias No. 4 - I. Prelúdio (Introdução) (6:06)
- Bachianas Brasilerias No. 4 - II. Coral (Canto do Sertão) (5:12)
- Bachianas Brasilerias No. 4 - III. Aria (Cantiga) (5:13)
- Bachianas Brasilerias No. 4 - IV. Dança (Miudinho) (3:03)
- Ciclo Brasileiro - No. 1 Planto do Cabocio (4:15)
- Ciclo Brasileiro - No. 2 Impressoes Seresteiras (5:45) Darius Milhaud:
- Saudades do Brasil - No. 4 Copacabana (2:59)
- Saudades do Brasil - No. 1 Sorocaba (1:31)
- Saudades do Brasil - No. 9 Sumare (2:27)
- Saudades do Brasil - No. 5 Ipanema (1:58) Francisco Mignone:
- Valse Élégante (2:33) Paulo Gondim:
- Gingado de Bibi (1:24)
- Sonhando (3:01)
- Sapeca (1:14)
- Fim de tarde em Amargosa (2:20)
- Teimosia (3:25) Mozart Camargo Guarnieri:
- Dansa Brasileira (2:21) Francisco Mignone:
- Congada (3:21)
Reviews
“Badgerow’s technique is superb… how beautiful is Badgerow’s way with projecting melodic lines from within a texture! A bright, colorful voyage into music inspired by the sights, sounds, and dances of Brazil. Most enjoyable.
” —Colin Clarke
“A nice compilation of works from Brazil… excellent programming.
” —Sang Woo Kang
““A thoroughly appealing release. A survey of mostly 20th-century solo piano music from Brazil, the selections want nothing for stylistic diversity, melodic invention, and rhythmic verve. Stylish, sympathetic performances of ingratiating and engaging repertoire. Badgerow clearly has the measure of the music and a strong understanding of how to convey its subtleties: you’re in excellent hands here. A finely curated and played survey of some wonderful music.
” —Jonathan Blumhofer
“An entertaining and varied programme of piano music. It’s robust, and powerfully played. It sounds very modern, in the sense of freshness and energy. we’d like to hear more from Badgerow, and his powerful, confident playing.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
