Ravel, Rodrigo & Stravinsky

Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5

Molly Fillmore, soprano

Rodrigo:  Concierto de Aranjuez

Celil Refik Kaya, guitar

Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin

Stravinsky: Suite No. 2 for Small Orchestra

Heitor Villa-Lobos’ exquisite Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, the best-known of the nine Bachianas suites, calls for soprano soloist to sing both text and a word-less vocalise while accompanied by cello ensemble. Guitarist Celil Refik Kaya performs Spanish composer Rodrigo’s moving and lush Concierto de Aranjuez. Ravel’s bittersweet tribute, Le Tombeau de Couperin, honors others who burned bright and died young. Beyond the obvious charm, wit and infectious rhythmic drive, Suite No. 2 for Small Orchestra offers a premonition of Stravinsky’s approaching Neo-Classical period and represents musical humor at its best.