The Music of Brazil

‘Aleyson Scopel, a compatriot of the composer…appears fully absorbed in José Almeida Prados’ world for piano and is in complete control of the music’s energy, which occasionally erupts with force.’
– Piano News

‘The second volume in Aleyson Scopel’s complete series…shows off this young pianist’s dazzling skills, and it points as well to the importance of this major work of a great 20th/21st century composer.’
– Music for Several Instruments
‘Top Ten Discs of 2017’

‘Prado calls his harmonic language “transtonality” – his Cartas Celestes features almost every type of sound the piano has to offer.’
– BBC Music Magazine

‘Scopel understands this very well, and indeed it takes a performer of imagination to play this music with convincing authority.’
– The Art Music Lounge

‘…Scopel is a master of both mood and articulation, bringing out the structure of these pieces without over-emphasizing anything yet still making every note, even in the inner voices, audible to the listener. Quite simply, this is an astounding album.’
– The Art Music Lounge

‘Neil Thomson is an excellent conductor who fully enters the spirit of these scores… This is certainly one of the most interesting and culturally important releases ever put on the market.’
– The Art Music Lounge

‘Splendid recording and energetic playing throughout.’
– Classical Guitar

‘Makes an excellent introduction to the composer … The Nashville Orchestra respond with enthusiasm to Kenneth Schermerhorn.’
– The Penguin Guide

‘A nice surprise… it’s fresh, appealing, and a sheer delight.’
– ClassicsToday.com

‘With effective performances, this is a good showcase for Lo Schiavo.’
– Gramophone

Also available on Blu-ray (DYN-57845)
and CD (CDS7845.02)

‘The Minas Gerais Philharmonic play with precision and flair for their founding director and conductor Fabio Mechetti – and, crucially, they make magic in the many hushed moments. This is yet another edifying entry in Naxos’s Music of Brazil series.’
– Gramophone