In The Thicket (1996)

Heitor Villa-Lobos - Complete String Quartets - Cuarteto Latinoamericano (2004) {6 CD Brilliant Classsics 6634 rec 1994-2000}
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© 1994-2000, 2004 Brilliant Classsics | 6634
Classical / Early 20th Century / Contemporary Classical / Chamber Music / String Quartet

These fine performances constitute the only complete cycle currently available of the 17 string quartets that pepper Villa-Lobos' entire career. The suite-like, five-movement No. 1, with its adorable "like a jumping bean" finale, is deceptive. Most of these are resoundingly neo-classical works full of acerbic harmonies and typically busy counterpoint, with few overtly nationalistic elements. Of course they sound just like Villa-Lobos, who was himself something of a "nationalistic element" when you come right down to it. The series reaches its culmination in the large works composed around the time of the Second World War, Nos. 7-11, which really do constitute landmark 20th century contributions to the form on a par with those of Shostakovich and Bartók.