“LO, AT MIDNIGHT”
from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
by Heitor Villa-Lobos
arranged for two pianos by Anderson & Roe
“From the boundless deep the moon arises wondrous … moonlight softly waking the soul and constraining hearts to cruel tears and bitter dejection. ”
Inspired by the music of J. S. Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote nine works during the 1930s and ’40s that he ultimately titled Bachianas Brasilieras. The works, for various combinations of instruments and voices, represents an attempt by Villa-Lobos to fuse Baroque forms and contrapuntal procedures with the melodic and rhythmic characteristics of Brazilian music.
The fifth in the set is a work for soprano and eight cellos in two movements. We have arranged the first movement to be played by two pianos, with special attention given to the flavor of the lyrics, a poem by Ruth Valdares Corrêa entitled “Lo, at Midnight.” Among the verses: “From the boundless deep the moon arises wondrous … moonlight softly waking the soul and constraining hearts to cruel tears and bitter dejection.” As you listen, imagine yourself in the Brazilian Amazon, surrounded by humidity, the soft murmur of insects, and warm winds. Surrender to the musky darkness as midnight falls upon the earth, bringing with it a haunting aura of seduction and mystery.
— Greg Anderson & Elizabeth Joy Roe
INCLUDED ON THE ALBUM WHEN WORDS FADE
Unfortunately, this score is not available for sale.