Marco Pereira

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Marco Pereira is a Brazilian classical guitarist. He was born in São Paulo and took lessons from Isaias Sávio. He got his master degree at the University of Paris-Sorbonne (Heitor Villa-Lobos and his work for guitar) He also got important prizes in international guitar competitions like: Concurso Andrés Segóvia (Palma de Mallorca) and Concurso Francisco Tárrega (Valencia). In Brazil he got the Brazilian Sharp Award for Best Soloist and for Best Album of the Year (1994) Collaborations for different artists: Wagner Tiso, Edu Lobo, Zélia Duncan, Cassia Eller, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tom Jobim, Zizi Possi, Paulinho da Viola and Milton Nascimento, among others.

Discography: O samba da minha terra; Original; Afinidade; Valsas Brasileiras; Luz das Cordas; Violão Popular Brasileiro Contemporaneo; Circulo das Cordas; Dança dos Quatro Ventos; Elegia; Bons Encontros; Brasil Musical.

He teaches Harmony, Arranging and Improvisation at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ([1]).

“Marco's impeccable technique and feel bring each composition alive, Having only performed these works with a rhythm section, this recording of solo renditions of these works has imparted an incredibly powerful feel and groove to each of the many styles of Brazilian music including: street samba, baiao (utilizing slap bass techniques), maracatu and frevo, a dream-like version of seresta, the forro and, of course, the choro. His guitar sound is warm and inviting, giving this North American guitarist a sense (and longing) of the exotic and vital musical world that is encompassed in the land of Carnival.” — John Martin, Guitart Magazine

“...a startling clean technique combined with a 'looseness' rarely found outside jazz and funk circles. If you think the Assad Brothers are amazing then Marco Pereira will most likely make you go 'ooh' ... highly recommended!!!” —Tim Panting, Classical Guitar Magazine

“Some players make you smile when you hear them play because you know inside they bring forth a rare gift through their interpretations, arrangements, and compositions that others may never find — a certain poetry exists. Mr. Pereira will keep you smiling with his music that sounds incredibly improvisationary at times but always the work of a stunning virtuoso talent. Marco's music contains captivating melodic material with rhythmic variety allowing the listener to bask in the glorious sounds that flow naturally from his nylon-string guitar." - Fred Gillett, Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine

“Marco Pereira's first recording of entirely self-penned solo pieces is a revelation, the kind of album that makes you reconsider the stifling expectations sometimes associated with the "classical" guitar, perhaps the most glorious of all six-strings. Rooted in such a strong cultural tradition, the tunes sometimes sound familiar, yet Pereira avoids the clichés that players often fall back on. …the harmonic depth and rhythmic grooves of such pieces as ‘Tio Boros’ and ‘Bate-coxa’ will have fellow guitarists shaking their heads in amazement.” — Teja Gerken, Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“…a collection of lively and moving celebrations which vicariously afford a peek into several windows of Brasilian mood. …Pereira breathes life into these pieces, magically animating musical notes rendered on solo guitar into flamboyant Rio street scenes. Pereira plays with the lightning-fast precision of a studied classical player, but exhorts his own unique voice with some striking stylistic nuances. I can tell you that Marco Pereira’s ‘Original’ is fantastic.” — Alan Fark, Minor 7th

"In a country where the classical guitar plays a major role in representing the spirit of its music, Marco Pereira stands out as a premier soloist, composer, and arranger. The beauty of his sound, his impeccable performances, plus the alluring intricacy of his harmonies create a palette of wonderful colors." — Oscar Castro-Neves

“These compositions reflect the romanticism, myster, ‘joie de vivre,’ and harmonic/melodic invention that characterizes so much Brazilian music, and all are exquisitely played by one of Brazil’s best guitarists.” — Ron Forbes-Roberts, Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“Performing on both 6 and 8 string guitars, Pereira's playing is wonderful. The choice of repertoire should please both the avid listener of Brazilian music and the novice alike. This disc is a must have for the fan of Brazilian music” — Phillip Hemmo, Minor 7th Review

“I did get to listen to the Marco Pereira CD and was knocked out! Beautiful player with loads of technique and style… fantastic! Valsas Brasileiras’ explores the versatility and diversity of the Brazilian Waltz. …Pereira’s playing is wonderful. …we are treated to refined, well thought through interpretations. This disc is a must have for the fan of Brazilian music.” — Ron Casey, Virtual Guitar Magazine

"This is a splendid solo collection of twelve Brazilian waltzes by guitarist Marco Pereira. He demonstrates that the best gentleness comes from strength: while the overall feel of "Valsas Brasileiras" is relaxing and tender, his mastery of the instrument and its harmonic possibilities lifts the music out of the "ear candy" category into something direct and profound. This is an elegant, romantic CD, a superb antidote to the troubling noises all around us these days." — Judith Schlesinger, All Music Guide

[edit] External link

This article is part of the Classical guitar series
Classical guitar Portal | Classical guitar | History of the classical guitar | Classical guitar making | Classical guitar repertoire | Classical guitar pedagogy | Classical guitarists | International classical guitar competitions | Research on the classical guitar | Classical guitar societies
Related articles:
Main article about guitar | Main article about luthier | Physics of the guitar
Articles in this series | Classical guitar project in Wikipedia | Edit this box