Born in Brazil of Portuguese descent, Gomes studied in
Milan, and the strong Italian influence is evident in
this his most popular composition, Il Guarany. Though
one may imagine the hand of Verdi gently resting upon
Gomes' shoulder during its composition, Gomes was
innovative in his use of Amazonian folk songs as in the
opening bars, flexed his harmonic muscles with abandon
(with many ear-grabbing surprises), and wrote with a
keen sense of forward momentum with frankly
hair-raising results. Thi...(+)
Born in Brazil of Portuguese descent, Gomes studied in
Milan, and the strong Italian influence is evident in
this his most popular composition, Il Guarany. Though
one may imagine the hand of Verdi gently resting upon
Gomes' shoulder during its composition, Gomes was
innovative in his use of Amazonian folk songs as in the
opening bars, flexed his harmonic muscles with abandon
(with many ear-grabbing surprises), and wrote with a
keen sense of forward momentum with frankly
hair-raising results. This challenging potboiler
overture for brass band clearly demonstrates Gomes'
expert counterpoint, modulatory prowess, use of cross
rhythms, and organic manner of composition, the entire
piece composed of motives derived from a handful of
well crafted themes. (Alternate Parts Available Upon
Request)