Fernando Lopes-Graça: Songs & Folk Songs is a captivating album that showcases the composer's profound connection to the folk music of his native Portugal. Released on 8 June 2018 by Naxos, this collection of 35 songs is a testament to Lopes-Graça's innovative and prolific career as one of Portugal's most renowned 20th-century composers.
With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this album takes the listener on a journey through a diverse range of musical styles, from the traditional folk songs of Portugal to the composer's own unique interpretations of poems by notable Portuguese poets. The album features the talented soprano Susana Gaspar, accompanied by Catia Moreso, Fernando Guimarães, and Nuno Vieira de Almeida.
Lopes-Graça's music is characterised by its absorption of successive stylistic influences, yet it remains deeply rooted in the folk traditions of his homeland. This is evident in the beautiful arrangements of folk songs, as well as in his original compositions, which demonstrate a profound understanding of the human experience.
The album includes a wide range of pieces, from the poignant '4 Cantos do Natal' to the lively '10 Canções Populares Húngaras', and from the introspective '3 Poemas de Adolfo Casais Monteiro' to the joyful '2 Romances de Armindo Rodrigues'. Each song is a masterpiece of vocal composition, showcasing Lopes-Graça's skill in crafting melodies that are both beautiful and haunting.
Fernando Lopes-Graça: Songs & Folk Songs is a must-listen for fans of classical music, folk traditions, and Portuguese culture. It is a testament to the composer's enduring legacy and a celebration of the beauty and diversity of his music.
2018 Naxos2018 Naxos
Tracks
4 Cantos do Natal, Op. 97: No. 1, Ó Meu Menino JesusFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Cantos do Natal, Op. 97: No. 2, Vinde PastoresFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Cantos do Natal, Op. 97: No. 3, Estando a VirgemFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Cantos do Natal, Op. 97: No. 4, Ó Meu Menino Tão LindoFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Poemas de Adolfo Casais Monteiro, Op. 12: No. 1, MúsicaFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Poemas de Adolfo Casais Monteiro, Op. 12: No. 2, Poemas das Mãos TombadasFernando Lopes-Graça, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Poemas de Adolfo Casais Monteiro, Op. 12: No. 3, Marcha TriunfalFernando Lopes-Graça, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
9 Chansons populaires russes, Op. 66: No. 7, SoulikoFernando Lopes-Graça, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
9 Chansons populaires russes, Op. 66: No. 8, Ma petite maisonnetteFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
9 Chansons populaires russes, Op. 66: No. 9, Sur les flots puissants du VolgaFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
As 3 Canções de Olívia, Op. 20: No. 1, DesalentoFernando Lopes-Graça, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
As 3 Canções de Olívia, Op. 20: No. 2, O BordadoFernando Lopes-Graça, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
As 3 Canções de Olívia, Op. 20: No. 3, DistânciaFernando Lopes-Graça, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Novos Cantos do Natal: No. 1, Em BelémFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Novos Cantos do Natal: No. 2, Dia de FestaFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Novos Cantos do Natal: No. 3, Cantiga à VirgemFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
4 Novos Cantos do Natal: No. 4, Vós Sois CristoFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Catia Moreso, Fernando Guimarães, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
Fernando Lopes-Graça, born in Tomar, Portugal, in 1906, was a towering figure in 20th-century Portuguese music, renowned for his work as a composer, conductor, and musicologist. His compositions, deeply rooted in Portuguese folk traditions, earned him comparisons to Béla Bartók for their innovative use of native songs and rhythms. Lopes-Graça's political convictions, as a member of the Portuguese Communist Party, often found expression in his music, which served as a powerful critique of the oppressive Estado Novo regime. His seminal work, the "Dicionário de Música," stands as a testament to his scholarly pursuits and his enduring impact on Portuguese musical culture. With a discography that includes iconic works like "Canções Heróicas," Lopes-Graça's music continues to captivate audiences with its rich, evocative soundscapes and profound emotional depth. His legacy endures, inspiring new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Vinylscout
Fernando Lopes-Graça
