The foundation for this composition is the rhythm of the baião, a style which has had enormous impact on modern Brazilian music; it has an almost hypnotic rhythmic drive using a syncopated 2/4 rhythm, and William Beauvais has cashed in on this attractive musical form with this splendidly exciting new work which captures the intended mood in splendid fashion.
After a striking up a rather menacing soundscape in the form of an introduction to the piece, the rhythm of the baião kicks in and we are off on a fascinating rhythmic journey briefly interrupted by occasional flamboyant scale passages linking the whole work together.
In the right hands, and played with panache and verve, Baiao Toronto has «encore« written all over it. Easily one of the finest pieces I have come across from this composer to date. The presentation is excellent, with helpful fingering (kept down to a sensible level) and would ideally suit the upper level player.
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)
