Lopes-Graça: Canções portuguesas

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portuguese music with Fernando Lopes-Graça's "Lopes-Graça: Canções portuguesas," a captivating collection of choral works that showcase the composer's profound influence on 20th-century Portuguese music. Released on June 14, 2024, via Naxos, this 46-minute album features 22 tracks that span a variety of genres and styles, each meticulously crafted to highlight the beauty and depth of Portuguese musical tradition.

The album opens with two "Romances viejos," followed by a trio of "Canções regionais portuguesas" that offer a glimpse into the folk music of Portugal. These are complemented by eight songs from Lopes-Graça's "Primeira cantata do Natal," a festive and uplifting series of carols that celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas season. The album also includes three "Líricas castelhanas de Camões," setting the poetry of Luís de Camões to music, and three "Canções corais" that demonstrate Lopes-Graça's mastery of choral composition.

Recorded in February 2020, "Lopes-Graça: Canções portuguesas" is performed by the Coro Casa da Música, conducted by Paul Hillier, ensuring a high level of musicality and authenticity. Whether you're a fan of choral music, Portuguese folk, or simply appreciate beautiful vocal performances, this album is sure to delight and inspire.

14 juni 2024

2024

About Fernando Lopes-Graça

Fernando Lopes-Graça, born in 1906 in Tomar, Portugal, was a towering figure in 20th-century Portuguese music, renowned for his compositions, conducting, and musicological work. His deep connection to Portuguese folk music, which he studied extensively, is a hallmark of his diverse and innovative compositions. Lopes-Graça's political convictions as a member of the Portuguese Communist Party and his opposition to the repressive Estado Novo regime shaped his artistic journey, imbuing his music with a sense of resistance and social consciousness. After beginning his musical education in Tomar, he honed his skills at the Lisbon Conservatory, studying under notable figures such as Adriano Merêa, Tomás Borba, and Luís de Freitas Branco. His prolific output spans various genres, including choral works and folk song arrangements, reflecting his deep engagement with Portugal's musical heritage and his pioneering spirit in exploring post-tonal languages. Lopes-Graça's legacy endures as one of Portugal's most influential and beloved composers, celebrated for his unique voice and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.