Bachianas Electrifies Audience

November 15, 2011—Dave Chantler reacts to Heitor Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No 5

I've been a concert-goer for a long time, and seen a lot of concerts, but I must say that one of the most poignant moments in all of my many years of concert experience happened during the performance of the Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras #5, Thursday night, July 28, 2011 at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival.

To begin, the piece is powerfully arranged. The composer constrasts eight cellos against a single soprano. That in itself is a sight to behold. The cello tone was masterful. They worked beautifully together, building the first movement to a dramatic, pounding climax and then, from out of nowhere, the long, high, unaccompanied note by Soprano Dr. Gale Odom, quiet as a whisper, but pure as snow, just sent shivers up my spine. I've never heard a note sung so effortlessly, with such control, and to such effect.

Nobody expected that. The sound electrified the audience. The piece of course brought down the house, as it should, with a full standing ovation. What a delight, in another altogether fantastic evening at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival.