Jupyra (complete opera) / Cauchemar (1895) for orchestra

Bis are now proud to be able to introduce listeners to a splendid South American opera. It was composed by Antonia Brâga (1868-1945). Brâga was born in Rio de Janeiro and became one of the central figures of the burgeoning musical life of Brazil. Orphaned at the age of eight he became interested in music while living in a home for abandoned children. His talent enabled him to go on to the conservatory and at twenty-two he was able to travel to Europe to study music in France. He later visited the other major European musical capitals, finally acquainting himself with the music of Wagner in Bayreuth. Though he came into contact with the "new" music of Europe (Schoenberg et al.) Brâga remained faithful to a late romantic style. He was an extremely prolific composer of orchestral and chamber music but his only opera, Jupyra, assumes a very special in his production. Jupyra is a wonderfully colourful piece that builds on folk legends from the Brazilian countryside - and Brâga's rich score merely adds to the local colour. This is the second BIS recording with the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra under their conductor John Neschling. It is a further reminder of the rich, but little known tradition of "Western" art music that exists in Brazil.