Death of a major classical guitarist
RIPSharon Isbin informs us of the passing of Carlos Barbosa-Lima, a leading Brazilian classical and jazz guitar virtuoso. He died in hospital of a heart attack, aged 77.
Sharon quotes their mutual friend Antonio Carlos Jobim:
‘What a joy, what a thrill it was, to listen to the recording Carlos sent me from New York. Just when I am so down, so bored, I suddenly find myself singing and dancing, taken over by the pure joy of it. I can feel their very presence in this room … the presence of these great musicians … the presence of this real brujo* of the guitar, Master Carlos Barbosa-Lima, and his more-than-partner (in this pas de deux), a true sorceress Sharon Isbin. Brujo and sorceress angel of good, living among us poor mortals, capable of changing the quality of life on this disturbed little planet.
‘Never before have I heard such a clear, clean, perfect recording, which is at the same time so melodious, harmonious, so alive and rhythmic. It is so beautiful it gives me goose pimples.’
RIP Carlos. We will miss your musical magic. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
CBL: Your lovely melodies and gentle rhythms have been such a gift. Thanks.
We most often only hear about the passing of sports figures, rock stars and politicians…may it be said that Carlos Barbosa – Lima was a bedrock classical Latino guitarist of Olympian status.