Cuban classical pianist Martha Marchena pays tribute to Brazil’s most transcendental musician of the 20th century, with a repertoire of both emblematic and rare piano pieces by the legendary composer.
Alma Brasilera
A Tribute to Heitor Villa-Lobos Piano Music
PROGRAM
Bachianas Brasilerias No. 4 (1930-1941)
- Introdução (Prelude)
- Cantiga (Aria)
- Miudinho (Dance)
Choros No. 5 (1925)
Alma Brasileira (Soul of Brazil)
Valsa Da Dor (Vals of the Sorrow) (1932)
Ciclo Brasileiro (Brazilian Cycle) (1936-1937)
- Plantio do Caboclo (Native Planting Song)
- Impressoes Seresteiras (Minstrel Impressions)
- Dansa do Indio Branco (Dance of the White Indian)
Martha Marchena has been inspiring audiences worldwide with her unique repertoire, captivating performances and innovative discography for decades. A versatile artist, she has performed as a soloist with orchestras and chamber music ensembles worldwide. Noted for the originality of her programming, critics have praised the intensity of her interpretations as well as the emotional impact she brings to audiences. David M Greene, historian and critic has hailed her playing as “exquisite and breathtaking,” remarking on her impressive capability to understand and bring to life the great emotional range of her interpretations. Robert Schulslaper wrote in Fanfare Magazine “its her deep involvement with each work and her knack for finding and recreating its essence that establishes her as the formidable pianist she is.”
Marchena has gained recognition for her ambitious and refreshing repertoire in contemporary music, as well as her expertise in Latin American piano music, specializing in lesser-known and underrepresented composers.
Marchena’s recent CD release Casi una Pregunta, Casi una Repuesta, joins the Grammy recommended Sonoric Rituals and acclaimed recordings The Complete Piano Works of Aurelio de la Vega, and Canción Sin Palabras. Marchena has been featured in international publications including Gramophone, Fanfare Music Magazine, The American Record Guide, Piano Magazine, and The Latin American Music Review, and on NPR.
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This event is co-sponsored by Instituto Cervantes
And is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
With the promotional collaboration of
[Picture of Martha Marchena above by Alexis Rodríguez Duarte.]