Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Brazil

Birth

:

1950 in São Paulo, Brazil

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Paulo Bellinati is a Brazilian classical guitarist and composer who was born on September 22, 1950, in São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. Bellinati started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and was soon performing in local clubs and bars. In 1975, Bellinati graduated from the Conservatório Dramático e Musical de São Paulo, where he studied classical guitar with Isaias Sávio. He then went on to study with Abel Carlevaro in Uruguay and later with Michael Lorimer in London. Bellinati's compositions are heavily influenced by Brazilian music, particularly the choro and samba genres. He has also been influenced by classical composers such as Bach, Villa-Lobos, and Scarlatti. Bellinati's music is known for its intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and virtuosic guitar playing. One of Bellinati's most famous compositions is "Jongo," which he wrote in 1978. The piece is based on the African-Brazilian dance of the same name and has become a staple of the classical guitar repertoire. "Jongo" has been recorded by numerous guitarists, including John Williams and Yamandu Costa. Another notable work by Bellinati is his "Suite Contatos," which was commissioned by the Brazilian Guitar Quartet in 1995. The suite consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different Brazilian dance style. The piece has been praised for its intricate counterpoint and rhythmic complexity. Bellinati has also composed music for film and television, including the soundtrack for the Brazilian film "O Menino Maluquinho" (1995). He has collaborated with numerous musicians, including the Brazilian Guitar Quartet, Yamandu Costa, and the Assad Brothers. In addition to his work as a composer, Bellinati is also a respected guitar teacher. He has taught at the Universidade de São Paulo and the Conservatório Dramático e Musical de São Paulo, among other institutions. Bellinati has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1994, he was awarded the Prêmio Sharp for Best Instrumental Album for his album "Guitares du Brésil." In 2003, he was awarded the Ordem do Mérito Cultural by the Brazilian government for his contributions to Brazilian culture. Today, Bellinati continues to perform and compose music. He has released numerous albums, including "Guitares du Brésil" (1993), "Afro-Sambas" (2000), and "The Guitar Works of Garoto" (2012). His music continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of Brazilian and classical influences.

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