Maestro Rocha in an interview with Argentine newspaper DIARIA UNO on March 28, 2009
Excerpts:
What can you tell from the works of Villa-Lobos today? Some are quite demanding for the musicians …
The works form a mosaic of the most important output of Villa-Lobos … it is even said that it is sometimes difficult because he was more prolific than Mozart (laughs). In this mosaic is included Bachianas No. 2, 1930, the Choros No. 6 and Nonetto. The latter I call “a musical Guernica, but with humor,” because the truth is as the composer subtitled: “a quick impression of the whole country”. Finally we will play the Fantasia for cello and orchestra, a work composed for his favourite instrument, and it includes Matias Villafañe.
As for its difficulty, it is true: they are works in which the musicians of the orchestra should be nearly soloists. The truth is a work requiring many tests … More than we’ve been having! (laughs).
What is the current rating of the music of Villa-Lobos in the world?
It is without doubt as the greatest Brazilian composer and his music is played worldwide, and has already been recorded. It was from him that Brazil found its aesthetic identity.
Other composers had tried previously, but the road was first opened by Alberto Nepomuceno (an idol of Villa-Lobos) and then he went on to find true expression in Brazil.
But really does Villa-Lobos get to be played and interpreted like other classics?
I love that these days artistes such as Mendoza are dedicated to him. But with regard to the question, I believe that today we are in favourable position to promote the concerts of this music.
The orchestras of today, from Tokyo to New York, let alone those of Europe, are playing many works that are worn. But I have noticed all of their interest in the works of South America, and I think if the right policies to promote and to spread awareness for these works are implemented, that music can enrich the repertoires of orchestras the world over.
Will they hear and listen to the music of South America?
I think our music can experience the same kind of boom like the one our literature had. And besides that, it will also help improve the image of our countries in the world.
