Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Ernani Aguiar was a Brazilian composer and conductor who was born on December 17, 1950, in the city of Uberlândia, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, João Aguiar, was a pianist and composer, and his mother, Maria de Lourdes Aguiar, was a singer. Aguiar began his musical studies at a young age, learning to play the piano and the guitar. He later studied composition and conducting at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, where he earned his bachelor's degree in music. He continued his studies in composition at the University of São Paulo, where he earned his master's degree. Aguiar's music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality, harmonic richness, and melodic beauty. He was influenced by Brazilian folk music, as well as by the music of Bach, Mozart, and Stravinsky. His compositions include works for choir, orchestra, and chamber ensembles, as well as solo pieces for piano and guitar. One of Aguiar's most famous works is his "Salmo 150" for choir and orchestra, which has been performed by choirs all over the world. The piece is based on the text of Psalm 150, which praises God with music and dance. The music is lively and rhythmic, with a strong Brazilian flavor. Another notable work by Aguiar is his "Tres Momentos para Piano" (Three Moments for Piano), which was written in 1981. The piece is divided into three sections, each with a different mood and tempo. The first section is slow and contemplative, the second is fast and energetic, and the third is lyrical and expressive. Aguiar was also known for his work as a conductor. He conducted many orchestras and choirs in Brazil and around the world, including the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. He was also a professor of music at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, where he taught composition and conducting. Aguiar received many awards and honors for his work as a composer and conductor. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Brazilian government, in recognition of his contributions to Brazilian music. He was also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Music. Aguiar died on April 29, 2016, at the age of 65, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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