Camargo Guarnieri Piano Concertos Nos 1 - 3
Max Barros (piano), Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas Conlin
Naxos 8557666 (69 min 49 s)

Prior to his death in 1993, Guarnieri was honoured by the Organization of American States with the Gabriela Mistral Prize for his achievements in contemporary music. Yet his compositions have only come to serious notice since the turn of the century. A three-disc cycle of Guarnieri’s six symphonies and other orchestral works performed by the São Paolo Symphony Orchestra under John Neschling was completed last year by BIS. The recordings revealed a Brazilian composer of merit and comparable in attainment to the great Heitor Villa-Lobos. The present issue from Naxos adds luster to Guarnieri’s posthumous reputation. It is certainly the best means on offer to become acquainted with the music. Concerto No. 1 of 1931 (revised during the 1960s) receives its first-ever recording here. It is an exciting piece which expands on traditional Brazilian music with exuberant rhythms. For the dynamic Second Concerto, Guarnieri tips the balance between orchestra and soloist in favour of the latter. No. 3 is by nature a sinfonia concertante for piano and orchestra. It presents various dance themes in a highly coloured and spicy score. Like the composer, pianist Max Barros is a native of São Paolo. He brings a wealth of knowledge of Brazilian music to the recording sessions and receives magnificent accompaniment from Conlin and the Poles. These are excellent, idiomatic performances which generate great expectations for a Naxos recording of Nos 4 - 6. WSH

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