Duo Corcova: Violino e VIolão

From a Classical Point of View

The Duo Corcova is from Holland. Jeroen Hobbel and Laura van de Woord are its two members, both classical trained musicians: Jeroen on the acoustic guitar and Laura on the violin.

Laura van de Woord had the Hungarian violinists Kati Sebestyén, Ervin Schiffer and András Czifra as teachers before she started as a teacher herself at the ToBe Foundation for Arts Education. As a performer Laura can be found in various Chamber Music ensembles. She also toured in the USA with local pianist Susan McAdoo. Recently Laura, Jeroen Hobbel and vocalist Vera Lansink formed the Ramblas Trio, focusing on classical music.

Jeroen Hobbel is responsible for the name of the duo. Corcova is Portuguese for “hump,” which is “hobbel” in Dutch! He studied classical guitar at the Rotterdam conservatory. He followed master classes with guitarists like the Italian Carlo Barone, specialized in 19th century music. Like Laura, Jeroen is also teacher at the ToBe Foundation. He, too, can be heard in various classical ensembles in and outside Holland. Jeroen and Laura both share an interest in world music. Jeroen studied Argentinean tango but their common interest in Brazilian Music made them decide to form the Duo Corcova in 2002. Various study-trips to Brazil fueled their interest and soon a beautiful repertoire formed the basis of success. The recording of a CD was the only logical next step. Here it is:Violino e Violão.

The music on the CD shows the love Laura and Jeroen feel for the culture in Brazil. A varied set of songs is performed with the utmost care for the compositions. The album opens beautifully with a nostalgia that can only be found in Brazilian Music. The rendition of “Tempo Feliz” sets the tone for the album and shows that the Duo Corcova knows what Brazilian Music is about. With their classical training they are able to put in their sentiment while staying close to the written versions of the music. It also shows that Jeroen and Laura have been working close together for quite some time. The space between the instruments is almost not existing. Something that’s very noticeable on the choro “Carinhoso” (1917, by Pixinguinha). The presence of a song like “Duas Contas” also tells something about the concept of the album… As teachers Jeroen and Laura built up the repertoire as a kind of lecture on the tradition in Brazilian Music. The liner-notes include a short description of each song and of course this composition by Garôto (aka Anibal Augusto Sardinha (São Paulo 1915-1955)) is mentioned as the precursor of the bossa nova. There’s also a sentimental rendition of the traditional folk song “A Casinha Pequenina” that’s maybe best known by the voice of Sílvio Caldas (1908-1998).

There is some confusion about “Pelo Telefone” which would be the first recorded samba (1917). However, a few critics state that a subjective definition of “samba” forms the basis of that qualification. Yet, the presence on this album adds to the good taste of the musicians. Of course Heitor Villa-Lobos has to close the album. “Bachianas Brasileiras nr 5 Aria Cantilena” is chosen. The work of Heitor Villa-Lobos is maybe exactly what the Duo Corcova is all about: a mix of tradition, folklore and classical music.

With their recording début the Duo Corcova shows a beautiful lesson in performing the Brazilian Music history.

ALBUM INFORMATION

Duo Corcova
Violino e Violão
Independent DCVV19742012 (2012)
Time: 33’54”

Tracks: