Almeida Prado. Works for Solo Violin • Duos for Violin & Cello.
‘Almeida Prado is an extraordinary figure in Brazilian music who built on his significant European background as a pupil of Boulanger and Messiaen in Paris. He developed a distinctive style that combines European elements, particularly French Impressionism, with the diverse influences that make up the true Brazilian musical DNA.
In this mixed programme, the two more extensive pieces (Le Livre magique de Xangô and the Solo Violin Sonata) are true masterpieces that deserve a place in the main repertoire of any musician.’
José Antônio de Almeida Prado was one of the most prolific and creative Brazilian composers of the second half of the 20th century, finding inspiration in everything from the birdsong and forests of his native country to a contemplation of the galaxies. The evocative Le Livre magique de Xangô is considered a foundational work in Almeida Prado’s final, eclectic postmodern phase, during which folk music also re-emerged in works such as Das Cirandas. The lively Solo Violin Sonata and lyrical Capriccio both explore the violin’s full expressive potential, while The Four Seasons tests the skill of younger players.
Listen to an extract from Le livre magique de Xangô (Shango's Magic Book): VII. Rituel
About the Artists
Following a successful career as a violinist, Emmanuele Baldini has embarked on new musical ventures as a conductor. Founder of the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (OSESP) Quartet, he has been concertmaster of the Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, the Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano, the Orchestra del Teatro ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ di Trieste and, since 2005, the OSESP. He was appointed musical director of Chile’s Orquesta de Cámara de Valdivia in 2017.
Cellist Rafael Cesario has appeared with numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Paraná Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra and the University of São Paulo Symphonic Orchestra. His recent digital albums comprise Um Outro Adeus and Meu Brasil with André Mehmari, and Beethoven Variations with Marcos Aragoni. He joined the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra as guest first cello in 2022 and is currently a member of the São Paulo City String Quartet.
Selected previous albums in the Music of Brazil series
‘Emmanuele Baldini… produces an alluring tone that taps into the natural resonances of his instrument and phrases with a natural instinct… this elusive yet deeply rewarding music is among the finest ever written for violin and piano.’ – BBC Music Magazine
‘This collection of works for piano and orchestra showcases the composer’s startling musical imagination and is performed with mastery and poise by Brazilian pianist Sonia Rubinsky and the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra.’ – BBC Music Magazine★★★★
‘Performances throughout are faultless; it would be truly wonderful if these works could become more widely known as a consequence of such fine recordings.’ – Gramophone
