“Tempo do Brasil” – Marc Regnier, guitar/ Marco Sartor, guitar/ Volodymyr Vynnytsky, piano/ Natalia Khoma, cello/ Tacy Edwards, flute – Reference Recordings HDCD FR-714, 66:18 [Distr. by Naxos] *****:
The sprightly and enlivening playing of Marc Regnier on this disc gives not a hint of his now 30-plus years on the classical scene. With that sort of resume—not to mention endurance in a field that has seen more than enough ups and downs, especially when considering recordings—we might allow him the chance to collect a number of Brazilian classical pieces—for the second time, actually—in a format that adds the spiciness of one or more partners in selected nuggets. For while a lot of this music will be familiar to enthusiasts—though most, probably not—the excitement and scintillating evocativeness that leaps from this recording with the interaction and dialogue present in more-than-one ensembles adds a degree of deliciousness that a solo outing can’t quite match.
This is not to say that strummer Regnier can’t produce the goods alone—hardly—it’s just that his carefully selected recital works in favor of chamber ecstasies that are just not heard that often in this sort of music. Oh, you get it alright when listening to jazz and native pseudo-pop experiences of this culture’s music—very common there. But for a quality classical experience the multi-instrumental soiree is enlightening as well as enlivening. Considering Regnier’s gorgeous tone and flexible technique, equally present in his guest’s fingers as well, we come away with a refreshing splash on the face – a clear, clean tonic that is bracing, beautiful, and cobweb-clearing on all counts. Engineering that offers a realistic and quite affable sonic take on everything certainly doesn’t hurt either. A dip in crystal waters to be sure, not to be missed!
TrackList:
SÉRGIO ASSAD: Recife dos Corais; Pinote; Farewell; Aquarelle
RADAMÉS GNATTALI: Guitar Sonatina No. 2
BADEN POWELL: Valsa sem Nome
HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS: Samba classic; Distribuicao de flores; Valsa da Dor; Vitoria regia; Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, W391 (arr. for 2 guitars)
PAULO BELLINATI: Rosto Colado
LAURINDO ALMEIDA: Choro e batuque
YIORGOS VASSILANDONAKIS: Variations on a Waltz by Villa-Lobos
—Steven Ritter
