Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portuguese classical music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's captivating album, "Portuguese Classical Masterpieces." Released on August 4, 2025, under the esteemed Naxos Special Projects label, this two-and-a-half-hour orchestral journey showcases the exquisite artistry of the RSNO, conducted by some of the most renowned names in classical music.
The album is a meticulously curated collection of works by Portuguese composers, spanning a variety of styles and moods. From the lively "Dance of the boys and girls who fill the square" to the serene "Pastoral," and the dramatic "Overture," each piece is a testament to the depth and breadth of Portuguese classical music. The album also features arrangements by notable musicians such as A. Cassuto and F. de Freitas, adding a unique twist to familiar favorites.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, known for their impeccable precision and expressive performances, brings these masterpieces to life with their signature brilliance. The album is a perfect blend of the orchestra's technical prowess and the emotional resonance of the music, making it a delightful experience for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Whether you're in the mood for something upbeat like "Staccato brilhante, Op. 63" or a more contemplative piece like "O magnum mysterium," this album offers a diverse range of compositions that will keep you engaged from start to finish. "Portuguese Classical Masterpieces" is not just an album; it's an exploration of the soul of Portuguese classical music, as interpreted by one of the world's finest orchestras.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
VII. Dance of the boys and girls who fill the square (Arr. A. Cassuto)Joly Braga Santos, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Overtura: PrestoFrancisco António de Almeida, Ana Quintans, Joao Fernandes, Joana Seara, Luis Rodrigues, Catia Moreso, Mário Alves, Ines Madeira, Fernando Guimarães, Musicos do Tejo, Os, Marcos Magalhaes
KyrieDuarte Lobo, Oxford Schola Cantorum, Jeremy Summerly
Sinfonia. Andante [1]Pedro António Avondano, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
I. AllegroCarlos Seixas, Débora Halász
No. 3, Chula do Douro (Arr. F. de Freitas for Orchestra)José Vianna da Motta, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Crux fidelisJoão IV of Portugal, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
IV. Romance de Dona ÂngelaFernando Lopes-Graça, Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Borralhinho
III. ScherzoLuis Costa, Trío Pangea
I. BailiaFrederico De Freitas, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
I. Prélude (After Fragoso)Sérgio Azevedo, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
Verdes AnosCarlos Paredes, Miguel Amaral
MinueteAntónio da Silva Leite, Miguel Amaral, Marco Oliveira, Marcos Magalhaes
III. FinalLuis de Freitas Branco, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
PastoralJoly Braga Santos, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
O magnum mysteriumPedro de Cristo, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
OvertureMarcos Antonio Portugal, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
I. Calmo. Com que voz chorareiAlexandre Delgado, Trío Pangea
Circumdederunt meBartolomeo Trosylho, Ars Nova, Bo Holten
I Allegro con spiritoJoao de Sousa Carvalho, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
IV. Senhor GalandumFernando C. Lapa, Quarteto de Matosinhos
I AllegroCarlos Seixas, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Cena LíricaLuis de Freitas Branco, Bruno Borralhinho, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Pedro Neves
Surge, propera amica meaDamião de Góis, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
II. CoralFrederico De Freitas, Trío Pangea
III. Alla rustica & HinoSérgio Azevedo, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
V. Lento, non troppoFernando Lopes-Graça, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
II. Andante non troppoPedro Faria Gomes, Carla Santos, Saul Picado
Vito, Op. 11 (Arr. for Orchestra)José Vianna da Motta, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
KyrieFernão Gomes Correia, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
AndanteFrancisco António de Almeida, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
Buona Fede tondo come il cerchio della LunaPedro António Avondano, Fernando Guimarães, Luis Rodrigues, João Pedro Cabral, Joao Fernandes, Susana Gaspar, Carla Caramujo, Carla Simões, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
No. 1, SearasEurico Carrapatoso, Quarteto de Matosinhos
II. Andante con motoFernando Lopes-Graça, Eldar Nebolsin, Orquestra Sinfonica do Porto - Casa da Musica, Matthias Bamert
Pois sois mãe da flor do campoAnonymous, Guilherme Barroso, Filipa Meneses, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
IV. PrestoJoão Domingos Bomtempo, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
II. Allegro (Arr. R. Oliveira for Guitar)Carlos Seixas, Bokyung Byun
No. 2, AndanteLuis de Freitas Branco, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
Toccata in G MinorJoao de Sousa Carvalho, Janos Sebestyen
V. Variation II: Temple de la MelodieLuis de Freitas Branco, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. Allegretto pastoraleJoly Braga Santos, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. Aria. Andante sostenutoArmando Jose Fernandes, Trío Pangea
No. 3, Se Eu Morrer CedoAntonio Pinho Vargas, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Baldur Brönnimann