Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4: I
Valsa da Dor
Chôros No. 5
A Lenda do Caboclo
Suite Floral, Op. 97
Poema Singelo
Ciclo Brasileiro, W374
Carnaval das Crianças Brasileiras

Brazilian guitarist, cellist, conductor and composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) is best known for his multiple Bachianas Brasileiras (Brazilian Bachian pieces) - one of which includes the ever popular Little Train of the Caipira - and for his masterful and evocative Music for Guitar. But most people seem to overlook the fact that he also studied in Europe, and amongst other things composed 12 symphonies, 17 string quartets, operas and an extensive list of works for solo piano.

The title of this recording was well chosen since the piano music of Heitor Villa-Lobos comes in various styles, shapes and colours. From highly indigenous pieces based on Brazilian folklore, to impressionist works à la Debussy, as well as rhythmically complex music which would put any musician to the test. Pianist Olga Kopylova, principal pianist for the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra since 2000, has been studying and evaluating the composer's piano music for over twenty years, the end result being this perceptive and insightful overview of the composer's output. From the deep melancholy that opens the Chôros No. 5, to the impressionistic Suite Floral, to the pinpoint rhythmic accuracy of the Ciclo Brasileiro's Festa no Sertão, Olga Kopylova fully captures the essence of each work, and delivers a collection of pieces that display not only Villa-Lobos' cosmopolitan flair, but also expose his far-reaching Brazilian roots.