Dive into the rich tapestry of Portuguese and French folk traditions with Fernando Lopes-Graça's "Songs & Folk Songs, Vol. 3," released on March 22, 2024, under the Naxos label. This captivating choral album spans a little over an hour and thirteen minutes, offering a diverse collection of songs that showcase Lopes-Graça's mastery of blending folk melodies with sophisticated choral arrangements.
The album opens with "O menino de sua mãe," a charming Portuguese folk song, followed by a series of Old English Songs, Op. 52, including the lively "Barbara Allen" and the nautical "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" These pieces are interspersed with three Sonetos de Camões, Op. 27, settings of the renowned Portuguese poet's sonnets, highlighting Lopes-Graça's ability to convey deep emotional resonance.
The second half of the album features a collection of Vieilles chansons françaises, Op. 50, such as the spirited "Chanson à grand vent" and the tender "Ma belle, si tu voulais." The album concludes with "O sol é grande, Op. 130," a piece that encapsulates the warmth and vibrancy of Portuguese folk music.
Fernando Lopes-Graça's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and rhythmic vitality, making this album a treasure trove for lovers of choral music. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Lopes-Graça or a newcomer to his work, this volume offers a delightful exploration of his musical prowess and cultural heritage.
2024 Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd2024 Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Tracks
O menino de sua mãe, Op. 21Fernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 1, Barbara AllenFernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 2, Early One MorningFernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 3, Sir Francis DrakeFernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 4, O Sleep, My BabyFernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 5, What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?Fernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Old English Songs, Op. 52: No. 6, High GermanyFernando Lopes-Graça, Traditional, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Sonetos de Camões, Op. 27: No. 1, Sete anos de pastorFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Sonetos de Camões, Op. 27: No. 2, Alma minha gentilFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
3 Sonetos de Camões, Op. 27: No. 3, Oh! Como se me alongaFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
Aquela triste e leda madrugada, Op. 112Fernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
Por que vossa beleza a si se vença, Op. 133Fernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Vieilles chansons françaises, Op. 50: No. 1, Chanson à grand ventFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
6 Vieilles chansons françaises, Op. 50: No. 2, Ma belle, si tu voulaisFernando Lopes-Graça, Susana Gaspar, Nuno Vieira de Almeida
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