The Art of Olga Praguer Coelho - Historical Recordings

The Art of Olga Praguer Coelho holds a distinguished place in the GuitarCoop catalogue as a historically significant document within Brazilian music and the tradition of voice accompanied by classical guitar.

Born in 1909 in Manaus, Olga Praguer Coelho developed an international career of remarkable scope throughout the 20th century. She performed extensively across Europe and the Americas and spent a significant period of her artistic life in New York. Appointed Ambassador of Brazilian Music, she collaborated closely with Andrés Segovia, who dedicated several voice-and-guitar arrangements to her and contributed to the further refinement of her instrumental technique.

This album brings together recordings from different stages of her career, offering a representative overview of her artistry as both singer and self-accompanying guitarist — a rare combination within the classical guitar field. The repertoire mirrors the eclectic programming of her recitals, encompassing Brazilian works, Hispanic-American songs, and European repertoire from the 18th centuriy, including music by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Manuel de Falla, and Alessandro Scarlatti, as well as arrangements by Segovia.

By presenting carefully restored historical recordings, many unavailable for decades, this release contributes to the preservation and renewed recognition of an artist whose international presence played a significant role in projecting Brazilian music onto the world stage.

With this edition, GuitarCoop reinforces its commitment to documenting, preserving, and disseminating the artistic legacy of the classical guitar and its leading figures.