The latest addition to Naxos' Music of Brazil-series is the music of César Guerra-Peixe (1914-1993). In his symphonic works, the composer blends indigenous music with European classical music. British conductor Neil Thomson, together with the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra, brings out the exuberant character of Guerra-Peixe's compositions.

The series Music of Brazil is part of the Brazil in Concert-project. To mark 200 years of Brazilian independence, the country's musical heritage is being recorded on CD (often for the first time). The first CD (8.574067) featured music by Alberto Nepomuceno (1864-1920), a champion of Brazilian cultural nationalism. The most recent addition is the symphonic music of César Guerra-Peixe (1914-1993).

Assimilation and Inclusivity

César Guerra-Peixe was born in Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil. He was the son of Portuguese immigrants with a Romani background. This multicultural heritage later translated into his compositions.

Guerra-Peixe studied from 1932 to 1940 at the Escola Nacional de Música in Rio de Janeiro. After his studies in violin and composition, he joined the Música Viva movement and followed the example of Hans-Joachim Koellreutter, who brought serialism to Brazil. Disappointed by avant-garde techniques, the young Guerra-Peixe sought other sources of inspiration. He found them in his country's traditional music. It is from this ethnomusicological quest and experimentation that his Symphonic Suites Nos. 1 & 2 (1955) emerged.

Giving Voice to Brazilian Culture

In his two symphonic suites, two Brazilian regions come to life musically. The first suite, subtitled "Paulista," captures the state of São Paulo, while the second suite, subtitled "Pernambucana," captures the state of Pernambuco. Both follow a traditional four-movement structure, with the first movement opening with a dance, followed by a fast movement and a third lyrical section, concluding with an exuberant and quick finale.

Symphonic Suites Nos. 1 opens with "Caterê" named after the Brazilian dance of the same name that is incorporated into this movement. Rhythmic passages alternate with a free, song-like style. The strings and brass of the two fast movements "Jongo" and "Tambu" are linked together and both draw from the same material—an Afro-Brazilian dance. The second movement "Jongo" refers to the dance itself, while the fourth movement "Tambu" refers to the characteristic percussion instrument. The enthusiastic percussion section and brass players of the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra make it impossible not to move along with the music.

In {{NOTRANSLATE_1}}, there is always a mix of reality and illusion that are intertwined. Hoffmann the poet (tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz) is the central player. His object of affection? The soprano Stella (soprano Jessica Pratt) in all her forms: Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta. Her opponent? Art in living form: La Muse (mezzo-soprano Julie Bulianne), disguised as Nicklausse. The antagonist is Lindorf (bass-baritone Erwin Schrott), translated into various figures (Spalanzani/Miracle/Dapertutto), but always in the same role. These four form the core that sets the game in motion and ultimately concludes it. Circle of Friends (1979) — the work positioned between the two suites on the CD — the woodwind players showcase their exceptional qualities in brief solos. The soloists engage in dialogue with the orchestra, which here takes on a more supportive role. Like the suites, this intermezzo also draws on Brazilian culture. The title Circle refers to a Brazilian tradition associated with Capoeira among other things, where friends make music together in a circle.

The CD closes with Symphonic Suites Nos. 2. In this second suite too, the percussionists and woodwind players excel. The complex rhythmic patterns and detailed instructions from the composer in "Maracatu" are interpreted in an exceptional manner. In "Frevo" the skilled interpretation of the wind players, and particularly that of the clarinet solo, takes center stage. Conductor Neil Thomson brings out the essence of each traditional style with power and sophistication. This creates a lively and exciting listening experience.

{{NOTRANSLATE_1}}{{NOTRANSLATE_1}}{{NOTRANSLATE_1}}{{NOTRANSLATE_1}}{{NOTRANSLATE_1}} 4.5/5

• WHO: Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Neil Thomson
• WHAT: Guerra-Peixe: Symphonic Suites Nos. 1 & 2
• PUBLICATIONS: NAXOS 8.573925
• ORDER: Cypres CYP8614