Cellist John-Henry Crawford and guitarist JiJi perform Água e Vinho by Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti (b.1947). The work features on Crawford’s new Latin American-themed album Corazón.

A self-taught guitarist, Gismonti studied at the Nova Friburgo Conservatory and with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. His compositions include influences reflecting his own Arabic and Italian heritage, choro and bossa nova, Brazilian Indian themes, jazz, and the music of Villa-Lobos and Stravinsky. Crawford arranged the piece for cello and guitar.

Speaking to The Strad, Crawford mentioned his exploration of sound colours when playing with guitar: ’it’s a different balance and a different dynamic than with piano. One of the things I learnt when playing with guitar is that I found I had to use lots of different colours that are more intimate.

’You really are just drawn in. Rather than leaning back in your chair, you’re leaning forward.’

Corazón is available now on Orchid Classics. Crawford will feature in a future episode of The Strad Podcast.

Read: Villa-Lobos and the cello: A voice for Brazil

Read: ‘If my cello could talk’ – by John-Henry Crawford

Review: John-Henry Crawford: Dialogo

 

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