With this sixth album, Karabtchevsky and the impressive Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo complete their Villa-Lobos symphony cycle. These first two symphonies are highly contrasted: No. 1 looks to Europe, but is already infused with the Brazilian flavour that makes Villa-Lobos’ music so distinctive and appealing. A vivid rhythmic life, gorgeous colours and plenty of atmosphere are its prime characteristics. Russian music is more in evidence in the Symphony no. 2, and it enriches Villa-Lobos’ colour palette. The slow movement is particularly striking, introducing a unique brand of melancholy that would become one of the composer’s signatures.