Joly BRAGA SANTOS (1924 - 1988) Symphony No.3 in C Op.15 (1948) London Symphony Orchestra; Alvaro Cassuto Recorded: Henry Wood Hall, London, June 1986 STRAUSS SP 4182 [38:32]

Braga Santos's Sinfonia em Do Op.15, completed in 1948, is a substantial, ambitious piece displaying the skills and aspirations of the then young composer. It is cast in four sizeable movements adhering to the traditional pattern. True to his mentor's teaching (Braga Santos studied a.o. with Luis de Freitas Branco), Braga Santos freely adopts the cyclic structure much favoured by Freitas Branco. The first movement opens with a slow Lento introduction stating most of the basic material. The ensuing Allegro moderato, roughly in sonata form, is full of energy and vitality, and develops two contrasted main subjects. This is followed by a beautiful Lento of which the main subject is derived from the first movement's introduction. This predominantly meditative movement slowly builds-up towards a weighty climax before reverting to the tranquil mood of its opening. The Scherzo has the character of a folk-like dance and develops with much animation throughout. The fourth movement opens with a slow introduction (a peaceful brass chorale) again recalling the first movement's introduction. There follows a double fugue starting with the strings (molto tranquillo) and later gaining considerable impetus while the second fugue (mainly in the woodwinds) adopts a quicker tempo. Both fugues combine and proudly lead the symphony to its exalted conclusion.

Braga Santos's Third Symphony is a youthful, exuberant, utterly optimistic piece of music. It is of course easy to spot the various influences looming on the young composer's music. Maybe surprisingly the music is redolent of Vaughan Williams and even of Moeran (this is probably due to the modally inflected harmonies) whereas the more colourful moments are reminiscent of Respighi. Nevertheless, this is a highly accomplished work, enjoyable and gripping from first to last, never giving the impression of mere patch-work. Such is the composer's confidence that he manages to blend his numerous influences into a wholly satisfying whole.

The present 1986 recording made in London sounds remarkably well and Alvaro Cassuto conducts a vital performance of this brightly coloured symphony.

Hubert CULOT

 

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