Composer: Fernando Lopes-Graça
Works: Paris 1937, Elegia, Piano Sonata No. 4, Toccata, Andante and Fugato
Performers: Miguel Henriques (piano), Ana Valente (piano)
Recording: St George’s Church, Lisboa, Portugal, 29-31 May 2000
Label: STRAUSS-PORTUGAL/BRIDGE
Fernando Lopes-Graça, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Portuguese music, composed a body of work that reflects the tumultuous social and political landscapes of his time. The four compositions featured in this recording—Paris 1937, Elegia, Piano Sonata No. 4, and Toccata, Andante and Fugato—offer a compelling glimpse into Lopes-Graça’s artistic evolution and the influences that shaped his distinctive voice. The 1937 work, a brief yet volcanic piece, resonates with the chaotic energy of a Paris on the brink of war, while the Elegia serves as a poignant anti-fascist protest, encapsulating the composer’s commitment to social commentary through music.
The performance by Miguel Henriques and Ana Valente is particularly noteworthy, as it deftly navigates the intricate textures and emotional weight of Lopes-Graça’s writing. In Paris 1937, the two pianists execute the frenetic rhythms and dissonant harmonies with remarkable precision, evoking the sense of urgency and turbulence that permeates the piece. The interpretation here is notable for its raw power; Henriques and Valente strike a delicate balance between aggression and clarity, allowing the work’s complex counterpoint to emerge without sacrificing its visceral impact. This recording captures the sense of immediacy that is so essential to Lopes-Graça’s music, making it a vital addition to the canon of 20th-century piano repertoire.
Elegia, composed in 1953, showcases a more somber and reflective side of Lopes-Graça. The performance here is characterized by its starkness, with the pianists adopting a tone that is both haunting and resolute. Henriques and Valente’s nuanced interpretation brings to the forefront the work’s dissonant qualities, aligning it with the styles of contemporaries such as Rawsthorne and Gerhard. Their attention to the subtleties of dynamics and phrasing creates a palpable tension, emphasizing the socio-political message embedded within the score. The recording quality excels in capturing the depth of sound, allowing the listener to appreciate the intricate interplay between the two instruments.
The Piano Sonata No. 4, premiered on Radio Geneva, offers a further exploration of Lopes-Graça’s evolving aesthetic. The movement Andante con moto stands out, providing a moment of introspection amidst the sonata’s otherwise uncompromising severity. Here, Henriques and Valente inject a much-needed warmth and humor, a clever juxtaposition to the more brutal sections of the piece, which pay homage to Bartók’s Allegro Barbaro and Prokofiev’s wartime sonatas. This thoughtful interpretation showcases the versatility of Lopes-Graça’s voice, revealing a composer who is as capable of playful lyricism as he is of stark dissonance.
The Toccata, Andante and Fugato, written in Lopes-Graça’s later years, presents a relentless and stark character, reflective of the composer’s late style. The pianists navigate its technical demands with assuredness, demonstrating not only their virtuosity but also their deep understanding of Lopes-Graça’s musical language. The engineering of the recording provides a rich tapestry of sound, allowing listeners to fully engage with the percussive elements typical of Lopes-Graça’s style, reminiscent of Stravinsky yet distinctly his own.
This collection represents an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Portuguese music within the broader context of 20th-century classical repertoire. The performances by Henriques and Valente breathe life into Lopes-Graça’s works, revealing the layers of complexity that define his output. The recording stands as a testament to the composer’s enduring legacy, making a compelling case for Lopes-Graça’s place in the pantheon of significant modern composers. It is a remarkable journey through a rich and evocative sound world, well worth the attention of both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.
