The Sound Universe of Brazilian Composer Almeida Prado

This lecture, presented by Fall 2025 Fulbright Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Fernando Corvisier, explores the life and work of Brazilian composer Almeida Prado (1943–2010), a key figure in Brazil’s musical heritage. His compositions have received critical acclaim and occupy a significant place in the contemporary music repertoire. As an accomplished pianist, Prado viewed the piano as an ideal medium for artistic expression, using it to explore a wide range of themes—including astrology, ecology, and postmodern aesthetics. His pianistic writing at times reflects Romantic influences (notably Chopin and Liszt), characterized by virtuosic passages that explores the full sonic potential of the instrument, while also bearing the influence of Villa-Lobos, particularly in its percussive textures and rhythmic complexity.