Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portuguese classical music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's captivating album, "Portuguese Classical Masterpieces." Released on August 4, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this collection is a testament to the orchestra's virtuosity and the enduring beauty of Portuguese classical compositions.
Spanning a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through a variety of orchestral works, showcasing the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's exceptional skill and versatility. From the lively "Dance of the boys and girls who fill the square" to the serene "Pastoral," each track offers a unique glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of Portugal.
The album features a mix of well-known pieces and hidden gems, arranged by notable composers such as A. Cassuto, F. de Freitas, and R. Oliveira. Highlights include the enchanting "Verdes Anos," the spirited "Staccato brilhante, Op. 63," and the hauntingly beautiful "Se Eu Morrer Cedo."
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Portuguese Classical Masterpieces" promises a rewarding listening experience. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra's impeccable performance brings each piece to life, making this album a true celebration of Portuguese classical music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
VII. Dance of the boys and girls who fill the square (Arr. A. Cassuto)Joly Braga Santos, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Overtura: PrestoFrancisco António de Almeida, Ana Quintans, Joao Fernandes, Joana Seara, Luis Rodrigues, Catia Moreso, Mário Alves, Ines Madeira, Fernando Guimarães, Musicos do Tejo, Os, Marcos Magalhaes
KyrieDuarte Lobo, Oxford Schola Cantorum, Jeremy Summerly
Sinfonia. Andante [1]Pedro António Avondano, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
I. AllegroCarlos Seixas, Débora Halász
No. 3, Chula do Douro (Arr. F. de Freitas for Orchestra)José Vianna da Motta, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Crux fidelisJoão IV of Portugal, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
IV. Romance de Dona ÂngelaFernando Lopes-Graça, Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Borralhinho
III. ScherzoLuis Costa, Trío Pangea
I. BailiaFrederico De Freitas, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
I. Prélude (After Fragoso)Sérgio Azevedo, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
Verdes AnosCarlos Paredes, Miguel Amaral
MinueteAntónio da Silva Leite, Miguel Amaral, Marco Oliveira, Marcos Magalhaes
III. FinalLuis de Freitas Branco, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
PastoralJoly Braga Santos, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
O magnum mysteriumPedro de Cristo, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
OvertureMarcos Antonio Portugal, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
I. Calmo. Com que voz chorareiAlexandre Delgado, Trío Pangea
Circumdederunt meBartolomeo Trosylho, Ars Nova, Bo Holten
I Allegro con spiritoJoao de Sousa Carvalho, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
IV. Senhor GalandumFernando C. Lapa, Quarteto de Matosinhos
I AllegroCarlos Seixas, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
Cena LíricaLuis de Freitas Branco, Bruno Borralhinho, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Pedro Neves
Surge, propera amica meaDamião de Góis, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
II. CoralFrederico De Freitas, Trío Pangea
III. Alla rustica & HinoSérgio Azevedo, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
V. Lento, non troppoFernando Lopes-Graça, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
II. Andante non troppoPedro Faria Gomes, Carla Santos, Saul Picado
Vito, Op. 11 (Arr. for Orchestra)José Vianna da Motta, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
KyrieFernão Gomes Correia, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
AndanteFrancisco António de Almeida, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
Buona Fede tondo come il cerchio della LunaPedro António Avondano, Fernando Guimarães, Luis Rodrigues, João Pedro Cabral, Joao Fernandes, Susana Gaspar, Carla Caramujo, Carla Simões, Os Músicos do Tejo, Marcos Magalhaes
No. 1, SearasEurico Carrapatoso, Quarteto de Matosinhos
II. Andante con motoFernando Lopes-Graça, Eldar Nebolsin, Orquestra Sinfonica do Porto - Casa da Musica, Matthias Bamert
Pois sois mãe da flor do campoAnonymous, Guilherme Barroso, Filipa Meneses, Capella Duriensis, Jonathan Ayerst
IV. PrestoJoão Domingos Bomtempo, Algarve Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
II. Allegro (Arr. R. Oliveira for Guitar)Carlos Seixas, Bokyung Byun
No. 2, AndanteLuis de Freitas Branco, Camerata Atlântica, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla
Toccata in G MinorJoao de Sousa Carvalho, Janos Sebestyen
V. Variation II: Temple de la MelodieLuis de Freitas Branco, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. Allegretto pastoraleJoly Braga Santos, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. Aria. Andante sostenutoArmando Jose Fernandes, Trío Pangea
No. 3, Se Eu Morrer CedoAntonio Pinho Vargas, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Baldur Brönnimann
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