Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portuguese folk music with Fernando Lopes-Graça's "Lopes-Graça: Melodias rústicas portuguesas." This captivating choral album, released on August 8, 2022, under the Coriolan label, is a testament to Lopes-Graça's unique ability to reimagine traditional melodies through his distinctive musical lens. Spanning 55 minutes, the album is divided into three cadernos (notebooks), each containing a collection of rustic Portuguese melodies that showcase the diversity and depth of the country's musical heritage.
Lopes-Graça, a prominent figure in 20th-century Portuguese music, masterfully blends folk tunes with sophisticated choral arrangements, creating a sound that is both authentic and innovative. The album features a wide range of themes, from pastoral scenes and religious hymns to lively dances and tender lullabies. Each track offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural landscape of Portugal, as interpreted by Lopes-Graça's expert compositional touch.
The "5 Velhos romances Portugueses, Op. 98" offers a taste of Portuguese folk music, reimagined through Lopes-Graça's unique lens. The album is a celebration of the simple yet profound beauty of rustic Portuguese melodies, presented in a way that highlights their timeless appeal. Whether you're a fan of choral music, a lover of folk traditions, or simply someone looking to explore the rich musical heritage of Portugal, "Lopes-Graça: Melodias rústicas portuguesas" is an album that promises to captivate and inspire.
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.
Vinylscout
Fernando Lopes-Graça
