Week 1: Prelude to Villa-Lobos
GREETINGS, ESTEEMED TONEBUDDIES!
Are you ready to embark on a musical journey through the enchanting realm of Villa-Lobos and his South-American roots? With the new release of Douglas Lora's Preludes this Friday and the whole Suite Populare Bresilienne with Fabio Zanon in the making, we are thrilled to present the revamped "Villa-Lobos Voyage Extravaganza," an extraordinary experience celebrating the works of Villa-Lobos and composers influenced by his heritage. Over the next four weeks, dive into captivating compositions, exploring the rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms.
WHEN 
- Challenge Start: Official Kick-Off on July 30th
- Challenge Duration: July 30th - August 30th
- Watch Party of Selected Submissions: August 30th
HOW TO BEGIN 
Select a Piece:
- Choose a mesmerizing piece from Villa-Lobos or a composer connected to his South-American heritage. Options include soulful Villa-Lobos compositions, rhythmic Brazilian-inspired works, or pieces by other artists inspired by South-American musical traditions.
- Choose a mesmerizing piece from Villa-Lobos or a composer connected to his South-American heritage. Options include soulful Villa-Lobos compositions, rhythmic Brazilian-inspired works, or pieces by other artists inspired by South-American musical traditions.
Practice and Share:
- Commit to regular practice and share your progress with the community. Aim for daily practice and upload at least two videos per week to showcase your musical voyage. This keeps you motivated and allows you to share your artistic journey with our tonebase family.
- Commit to regular practice and share your progress with the community. Aim for daily practice and upload at least two videos per week to showcase your musical voyage. This keeps you motivated and allows you to share your artistic journey with our tonebase family.
Submit Your Performance:
- Share your favorite performance or recording that captures the spirit of the "Villa-Lobos Voyage Challenge." Your submission will inspire others and create a vibrant collection of potential pieces for fellow members to explore.
- Share your favorite performance or recording that captures the spirit of the "Villa-Lobos Voyage Challenge." Your submission will inspire others and create a vibrant collection of potential pieces for fellow members to explore.
The heart of this challenge lies in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Villa-Lobos and his musical influences. So, pick a piece that intrigues you and embrace this journey with enthusiasm and curiosity. Together, let's celebrate the captivating sounds of Villa-Lobos and his Brazilian roots. Get ready to practice, learn, and immerse yourself in the Villa-Lobos Voyage Challenge! 
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Gavotte-Choro A section (Aug 4)
I am still working on the Mazurka-Choro, but I have also begun to work on the Gavotte-Choro. I think this is probably the prettiest of the pieces in the suite. This video is only the A section, and this movement is also in rondo form (ABACA). It should go a bit faster than I am playing it here. There are several places where it is quite difficult to keep the melody legato.
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Eric Phillips I agree this is the prettiest Choro of the Suite. Excellent and impressive beginning in such a short time studying it. If I might suggest, which I am sure you are aware, but adding more contrast in tonal dynamics will serve this piece well. Also, very impressive work on the Mazurka Choro below, another one of my favorites.
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Eric Phillips Excellent work Eric. I also just watched your 2nd take on the Mazurka-Choro which is sounding really good. Looking forward to the rest of the suite!
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Ron Thanks Ron! I’m just going one piece at a time. I doubt I’ll get to the whole suite, but we’ll see.
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Here is the first part of the Chorros. I have been following your recommendations by practicing with the metronome. It has helped me to record myself to see where I need improvement.
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Raul Guzman Vidal This is a BIG improvement rhythmically, Raul! Keep up the good work!
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Raul Guzman Vidal Definitely a big improvement in rythm. You might want to check the tuning before you record I think your base E may be a little flat, but great progress. Keep it going!
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Eric Phillips Thank you for your response!
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Ron Thank you, I will see what's going on with the base E.
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