Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Brazil

Birth

:

February 28, 1895 in São João da Boa Vista, Brazil

Death

:

March 7, 1979 in São Paulo, Brazil

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Guiomar Novaës was a Brazilian classical pianist who was born on February 28, 1896, in São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brazil. She was the daughter of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was sent to study in São Paulo with Luigi Chiafarelli, a renowned Italian pianist. Novaës made her debut at the age of 7, performing in São Paulo. She continued to perform throughout Brazil and gained a reputation as a prodigy. In 1909, she traveled to Europe to study with Isidor Philipp in Paris. She also studied with other notable pianists, including Alfred Cortot and Raoul Pugno. Novaës made her European debut in 1911, performing in Paris. She quickly gained recognition for her virtuosity and musicality. She performed throughout Europe, including in London, Berlin, and Vienna. In 1915, she made her debut in the United States, performing in New York City. Novaës became known for her interpretations of the works of Chopin, Beethoven, and Schumann. She was also a champion of Brazilian music and often included works by Brazilian composers in her performances. She was particularly fond of the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos, who dedicated several works to her. Novaës was known for her technical skill and her ability to convey emotion through her playing. She was praised for her delicate touch and her ability to bring out the nuances of a piece. She was also known for her ability to improvise and for her skill in sight-reading. Novaës continued to perform throughout her life, even after suffering a stroke in 1940. She made several recordings, including a series of recordings for RCA Victor in the 1940s. She also taught at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro. Novaës received many honors and awards throughout her career. In 1921, she was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government. She was also awarded the Order of the Southern Cross by the Brazilian government. In 1952, she was awarded the Medalha de Ouro by the Brazilian Academy of Music. Novaës died on March 7, 1979, in São Paulo, Brazil. She was remembered as one of the greatest pianists of her time and as a champion of Brazilian music. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and through the many pianists who have been inspired by her playing.

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