Joly Braga Santos: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5
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CD Details
Composer: Joly Braga SantosConductor: Alvaro Cassuto
Orchestra: Portuguese Symphony Orchestra
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1998-05-26
Music Label: Marco Polo
Soundtracks:
- Symphony No. 1: Molto sostenuto - Allegro energico
- Symphony No. 1: Andante, molto tranquillo
- Symphony No. 1: Allegro assai
- Symphony No. 5: Largamente
- Symphony No. 5: Zavala: Moderato
- Symphony No. 5: Largo
- Symphony No. 5: Allegro energico ed appassionato
Music reviews of Joly Braga Santos: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5
Music Review: Not the place to start exploring the composer, but a rewarding release nonetheless
Rating: 4 Stars
Of the six symphonies composed by Joly Braga Santos (1924-1988) the first four were relatively early, written in a colorfully tonal style slightly redolent of Vaughan Williams, Tubin, Sauguet, Respighi and Sibelius (among others), but still rather strikingly personal and with an unmistakable voice, culminating in the masterpiece that is the fourth symphony. The last two symphonies are much later and employ a very different language: modernist and far more "difficult", but still strikingly colorful and personal. There is thus a huge stylistic leap between the two works recorded here.
The first symphony is very much in the vein of Vaughan Williams, at least harmonically. It is an energetic, rhythmically vibrant work that makes a strong first impression. It is not, however, on the level of the subsequent symphonies and anyone coming to this one before the fourth, say, will have a hard time understanding what all the fuss is about. It is structurally weaker, the thematic material less memorable and the developments much less assured. Nevertheless it is an attractive, effective work worth hearing at least a couple of times - if the subsequent three symphonies hadn't existed as comparisons I think I would have sounded far less lukewarm.
The fifth dates from 1965-66 and is a rugged, harmonically rather dense work; rather forbidding the first time around, and full of unease and flickering shadows. It employs a large percussion section and incorporate influences from Mozambican popular music, but they are used in a strident and uncomfortable manner, with thumping drums and flaring brass amidst string textures that reminds me of old steam engines letting out puffs of vapor dissolving against the troubled, overcast night sky. The last movement opens with music of intense action that gradually develops into something more reflective and introvert. Overall it is by no means an easy work, but I found it ultimately quite rewarding and well worth spending some time and effort with.
To sum up, I would recommend against starting your exploration of the composer here (the fourth symphony is the one to go for in that respect), but there is still plenty to enjoy on this disc. The performances are enthusiastic and spirited and the sound quality is more than acceptable.
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