“NoFrom the perspective of World Heritage, this is a way of internationalizing the Real Edifício de Mafra, which has so many historical links with Brazil, and of actively participating in the construction of a fairer global society, in which women’s rights are highlighted”, said the director of the Palace, Sérgio Gorjão, quoted in a press release from the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage (DGPC).
For the person in charge, “this piece is of particular historical importance, since the last (musical work), commissioned by D. João VI specifically for the palace, was the mass for soloists, choir and six organs by Fr. José Marques e Silva, premiered at the Royal Basilica of Mafra in 1825”.
The work “Pequeno concerto para Mafra” recalls the gold route (“Brasiliae aurum pro gloria regis”), in the first movement, Princess Maria Bárbara de Bragança, eldest daughter of Kings João V and Maria Ana of Austria, who is at the genesis of the construction of the palace (“Sarabanda for Infanta Maria Bárbara”), in the second movement, and ends with a tribute to the princess’s master, the Neapolitan composer Domenico Scarlatti (“Variations on a theme by Scarlatti”).
The challenge came from pianist Adriano Jordão, who, in Brazil, has been involved in the United Nations Organization’s “White Ribbon (He for She)” campaigns to accelerate gender equality.
The composition, which was premiered in concert on the last International Women’s Day, was acquired by Caixa Agrícola de Mafra and will form part of the collection of scores in the palace library, such as those by Marcos Portugal, José Marques e Silva, António de Pádua Puzzi , António Leal Moreira, José Joaquim dos Santos and João José Baldi.
João Guilherme Ripper is president of the Brazilian Academy of Music, was director of the School of Music of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and of Sala Cecília Meireles and president of the Fundação Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.
The six historical organs, the library and the largest set of bells in the world, consisting of two chimes and 119 bells, divided into hour, liturgy and carillon bells, constitute the most important heritage of the National Palace of Mafra, classified in 2019 as Heritage. World Cultural Organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The announcement of the inclusion of “Pequeno concerto para Mafra” in the collection of the National Palace of Mafra takes place on the day that the new president of Brazil, Luís Inácio Lula da Silva, begins a five-day state visit to Portugal.
Also Read: Puppet Biennial in Évora with more than 70 shows in June
Always be the first to know.
Seventh consecutive year Consumer Choice for Online Press.
Download our free App.
