Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 26, 1906

Period

:

Modern

 

Armando José Fernandes was a Portuguese composer born on October 29, 1906, in Lisbon, Portugal. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, José Fernandes, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Maria da Conceição, was a pianist. Armando José Fernandes showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and violin at a young age. Fernandes attended the National Conservatory of Lisbon, where he studied composition with Luís de Freitas Branco. He also studied conducting with Pedro de Freitas Branco and violin with Alfredo Gomes. After completing his studies, Fernandes began working as a music teacher and conductor. In 1932, Fernandes was appointed conductor of the Lisbon Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 25 years. During his tenure, he conducted many premieres of works by Portuguese composers, including his own compositions. He also conducted the premiere of the opera "Amadis de Gaula" by Joly Braga Santos. Fernandes was a prolific composer, and his works include orchestral music, chamber music, vocal music, and operas. His music is characterized by its lyricism, harmonic richness, and use of Portuguese folk melodies. One of Fernandes' most famous works is his "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered in 1940 by the Lisbon Symphony Orchestra. The symphony is in three movements and is notable for its use of Portuguese folk melodies. The first movement, "Allegro moderato," is based on a traditional Portuguese dance called the fandango. The second movement, "Andante," is a lyrical adagio that features a solo violin. The final movement, "Allegro con brio," is a lively dance that incorporates elements of the fandango. Another notable work by Fernandes is his opera "O Alfageme de Santarém," which was premiered in 1954. The opera is based on a medieval Portuguese legend and tells the story of a knight who falls in love with a Moorish princess. The opera is notable for its use of Portuguese folk melodies and its dramatic score. Fernandes' other works include his "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was premiered in 1947 and features a virtuosic solo violin part, and his "String Quartet No. 1," which was premiered in 1950 and is notable for its use of Portuguese folk melodies. Fernandes was also a respected music educator and served as a professor of composition at the National Conservatory of Lisbon. He was a mentor to many Portuguese composers, including Joly Braga Santos and Fernando Lopes-Graça. Fernandes received many honors during his lifetime, including the Order of Saint James of the Sword and the Order of Prince Henry. He died on July 28, 1983, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 76. In conclusion, Armando José Fernandes was a prominent Portuguese composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the development of classical music in Portugal. His works are characterized by their use of Portuguese folk melodies and their lyricism and harmonic richness. Fernandes' legacy continues to inspire and influence Portuguese composers today.

More....