Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1955

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Bernardo Feldman was a Brazilian composer and pianist who was born on August 28, 1926, in Rio de Janeiro. He was the son of a Polish immigrant and a Brazilian mother. Feldman's father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so music was a significant part of his life from an early age. Feldman began his musical studies at the age of six, and by the time he was 12, he was already performing in public. He studied piano with Magdalena Tagliaferro, a renowned Brazilian pianist, and composition with Henrique Morelenbaum, a composer and conductor. In 1945, Feldman moved to Paris to continue his studies at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. He studied piano with Alfred Cortot and composition with Nadia Boulanger, who was one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Boulanger recognized Feldman's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in composition. Feldman returned to Brazil in 1949 and began working as a pianist and composer. He quickly established himself as one of the leading figures in Brazilian classical music. He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Music and was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Brazilian government in 1996. Feldman's music was heavily influenced by Brazilian folk music and rhythms. He was also influenced by the music of Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky. His compositions were characterized by their lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and colorful orchestration. One of Feldman's most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which he composed in 1953. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the piano, with a lively and rhythmic first movement, a lyrical second movement, and a lively and energetic third movement. The concerto has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists, including Martha Argerich and Nelson Freire. Another notable work by Feldman is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1956. The symphony is a colorful and vibrant work that reflects Feldman's love of Brazilian folk music. The symphony has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Feldman also composed a number of chamber works, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1950. The quartet is a lively and rhythmic work that reflects Feldman's love of Brazilian folk music. The quartet has been performed by many of the world's leading string quartets, including the Emerson String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet. In addition to his work as a composer, Feldman was also a respected pianist. He performed extensively throughout Brazil and Europe and was known for his interpretations of the music of Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel. Feldman continued to compose and perform until his death on May 17, 2010, at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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