As an introduction to the music of the Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos, you can't really do better than this little masterwork which is the toccata from his Bachiana Brasileira No. 2. It was inspired by a ride that Villa-Lobos took in 1931 on just such a train that was transporting berry-pickers and farm laborers between villages. Sir Eugene Goossens wrote: "The little train puffs and chugs along and proceeds to its distant destination which it reaches safely in a process of gradual deceleration and much exhaust steam."

The ingenious use of native percussion instruments to create the steam sounds and the infectious use of traditional Brazilian melodies and rhythms create a sound world full of life and bright colors. You can almost see that little steam train just struggling along on it's journey.

Audio buffs are probably aware of the great recordings Everest released in the 50's and 60's, and this one in particular is a case in point. Recorded in 1960 on 3-track 35mm magnetic film, it puts to shame some recordings done a month ago. The CD also includes great interpretations of Ginastera's suites from his ballets "Estancia" and "Panambi". Simply put, for natural and vivid sound, and a great taste of this composer, this disc is a keeper!

Jean-Yves Duperron