Bruno M. Miranda

Composed in 2001 and revised (especially the brazilian percussion ensemble part) in 2007.
The Brazilian Rhapsody (Rapsódia Brasileira in portuguese) is written for a large orchestra (1 Picc, 4 Fl, 4 Ob, 4 Cl, 4 Bn, 6 Hrn, 4 Tr, 4 Trb, 1 Tuba, 6 Timp and percussion, 3 Hrps, Str) and a brazilian percussion ensemble known as "Bateria" (a set of different percussion instruments very typical of the brazilian samba schools).

This work, as the names indicates, presents several original themes connected in the entire work.
The work begins with an introduction, were the three harps play multiple glissandi, while high strings and woodwinds join with tremolos. The first notes of the main theme are played by the four trombones.
Later, the main theme is played by the all orchestra, with the "Bateria" as the rhythmic background. This theme, may be considered as the heart of the piece, appearing during the entire piece with melodic and rhythmic variations. After the Tutti, the main theme is presented by the string section in a slower tempo and in a more lyrical way.
The next section, brings us the true brazilian spirit, with horns and strings playing a syncopated theme that will be used as the harmonic base for the theme played for the woodwinds. This tune played by the woodwinds section is in fact a variation of a theme that will appear later.
The central section of this work, suddenly changes to a darker mood with a solo trombone playing a variation of the main theme in F sharp minor. Later, will be the english horn to play a new theme, this time in C sharp minor, followed by a big climax of the orchestra in the most contrapuntal section of the work. In the following section, the brazilian percussion ensemble ("Bateria") bursts into a delirious and frenetic passage of rhythm and joy!
The last section, brings all the themes together, with several leitmotifs playing a dynamic dialogue with the "Bateria"!

This is a rough score, without annotations regarding dynamics and performance (divisi, glissandi, etc)