ESTRELLA É LUA NOVA 

TEXT 
Estrella é lua nova  A Star is a New Moon 
Estrella do céo é lua nova  A star in heaven is a new moon 
Cravejada de ouromakumbebê  bejewelled in gold Makumbebê 
Óia a makumbebêóia a Makumaribá!  Look at makumbebê, look at Makumaribá! 

According to Stela BandáoEstrella é lua nova is a “ceremonial chant picked by Villa-Lobos from the Macuma, an Afro-Brazilian ritual, which mixes Portuguese and (native) Kibundo language, practiced mostly in Rio de Janeiro.” The text is thus a hybrid of languages, both native and colonial. Bandaó continues: “The chanting would lead to trances, creating a freer communication with deities and the elements and spirits of nature.” 

 

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is widely regarded as one of South America’s greatest composers. He devotedly collected folk songs in his hometown. He also made several expeditions to record indigenous songs, traveling into the Amazon jungle and other remote areas. He later told colorful tales of visiting cannibal tribes and other adventures. He developed a strongly personal compositional voice, rooted in the vernacular music of his culture. As Villa-Lobos once remarked, “My music is as natural as a waterfall.” Extremely prolific, he wrote concert music in every possible genre. 

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Estrella é lua nova - RCA 09026-63726-2  Bacchianas Brazilerias - Angel 66964 

Performer and production credits:
Karol Bennett, soprano; Leone Buyse, flute; Hannah Holman, cello; Susan Oltsman Koozin, narrator; Tricia Park, violin; Rod Waters, piano; Michael Webster, clarinet; Blake Wilkins, percussion. 
Bill Klemm, videographer and editor; Kate Dawson, director.