Dorian Sono Luminus Logo TM Dorian Sono Luminus Logo TM

Dorian Sono Luminus

DSL-90904
6 CDs + DVD Box Set

VILLA-LOBOS
the complete string quartets


Cuarteto Latinoamericano
Saúl Bitrán violin   Arón Bitrán violin
Javier Montiel viola   Alvaro Bitrán cello

DSL-90904 Cover

It has become almost commonplace to say that the musical output of Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) is as vast, varied, and exuberant as the Amazon rain forest, which was his life-long inspiration.   This is a picturesque analogy, but it certainly rings true: in the catalogue of Villa-Lobos, which comprises more than 2,000 works, we find an astonishing variety of forms, genres, and modes of expression that bear witness to the composer's inquisitive and adventuresome spirit.   The sheer number of string quartets penned by Villa-Lobos is remarkable in itself; they are seventeen in all, written over a period of forty-two years, and they undoubtedly represent the most important contribution in the field by a Latin American composer.

Formed In 1982, Cuarteto Latinoamericano is known worldwide as the leading proponent of Latin American music for string quartet.   This award-winning ensemble from Mexico consists of the three Bitrán brothers, violinists Saúl and Arón and cellist Alvaro, along with violist Javier Montiel.   The Cuarteto has recorded most of the Latin American repertoire for string quartet, and the sixth volumes of their Villa-Lobos 17 quartets cycle, recorded for Dorian, was nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in 2002 in the field of Best Chamber Music Performance as well as for a Latin Grammy.

CD 1
String Quartet No 6 (1938)
String Quartet No 1 (1915)
String Quartet No 17 (1957)

CD 2
String Quartet No 3 (1916)
String Quartet No 8 (1944)
String Quartet No 14 (1953)

CD 3
String Quartet No 7 (1942)
String Quartet No 15 (1954
CD 4
String Quartet No 2 (1915)
String Quartet No 12 (1950)
String Quartet No 16 (1955)

CD 5
String Quartet No 5 (1931)
String Quartet No 10 (1946)
String Quartet No 13 (1951)

CD 6
String Quartet No 4 (1917)
String Quartet No 9 (1945)
String Quartet No 11 (1948)



Dorian Recordings & Dorian Discovery
are distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading