ALBÉNIZ: SUITE IBERIA — arranged by the Brazilian Guitar Quartet
The Brazilian Guitar Quartet
Everton Gloeden and Luiz Mantovani, 8-string guitars
Tadeu do Amaral and Edson Lopes, 6-string guitars
[DE 3364]
“as warm and transcendentally evocative as Albeniz could have wished for.” (Allmusic)
“BGQ Makes Historic Recording of Albéniz (Headline)
“This CD is so good that one should be concerned, when praising it, not to do so insufficiently. … It will stand as a reference recording of the Catalan composer’s masterpiece… The Quartet has now taken its place alongside Alicia de Larrocha and Daniel Baremboim, beneath the ideal sun of Iberia, and in no-one’s shadow.” Folha de São Paulo, Brazil
In their own country the Brazilian Guitar Quartet is called “the Dream Team,” four of Brazil’s most brilliant guitarists. Since the guitar is understood to be the national instrument of Brazil, this already establishes the BGQ on a rarefied level. The group’s unique combination — regular six-string and extended-range, eight-string guitars — allows for the exploration of an original and unusual repertoire. Put all of this together with exceptionally creative musicality, and the result is a series of recordings that can justly be called masterpieces.
The BGQ’s first three Delos albums have been universally acclaimed (Classical Critics Choice, Billboard’s Best of the Year, Audiophile Audition). Two of these, “Essencia do Brasil” and “Encantamento,” offer a range of Brazilian music. The third presents the BGQ’s splendid arrangement of the Bach Four Suites for Orchestra.
“Suite Iberia” is the BGQ’s fourth, and most recent, tour de force. Albéniz began writing Suite Iberia in 1905 and finished it in 1908. Hailed as “the masterpiece of Spanish music,” this beloved virtuoso composition for piano is made up of twelve pieces, divided into four books. They embrace a kaleidoscope of motifs and moods, themes and rhythms evoking the spirit of Spain, especially the province of Andalusia.
The BGQ’s unique arrangement of the Suite respects its essence while presenting a new and adventurous interpretation. Albéniz, a brilliant pianist as well as composer, conjured up fabulous ways to make his piano sound like a guitar. Our Quartet returns this music to the guitar, the one instrument universally associated with Spain and its unique culture.
Track 3 from this album “Suite Iberia, Book 1. III. Fete-Dieu a Seville”
Here is a video of the Brazilian Guitar Quartet performing Track One “Evocation”