ALMA IBÉRICA
Alma Ibérica is a musical project conceived by the Portuguese Duo Tágide with the aim of promoting the Iberian Art Song Repertoire. We have researched a vast cultural heritage, of a unique and unusual beauty, and discovered a treasure trove of lesser-known works of great artistic value. We believe the project can play a role in the worldwide affirmation of Iberian culture and the establishment of a cross-cultural dialogue between Portugal and Spain.
We have adopted an innovative approach towards the choice of repertoire, comparing and contrasting the characteristics of Portuguese and Spanish repertoire, which are deeply ingrained within their national identity and character.
Gallery
Mission
We have sought to find a balance between well-known and obscure works and, above all, explore the mutual influences - in music and poetry – that reveal a remarkable level of cultural complicity.
We are also interested in music that draws on the traditions of Iberian song, written by composers, born outside of the Peninsula. A fascination with the nature of sound in language has always been present in the history of the genre, and has undoubtedly given the world a rich and universal musical legacy. In addition, we considered it important to include works that, although influenced by the dominant European musical trends, still maintain a strong Iberian identity.
Finally, we have set ourselves the goal of opening new paths for this musical genre: commitment with new compositions/commissions, a key point in the revitalisation of a tradition that must remain alive.
“Culture is what gives a people their goal and function”
Agustina Bessa-Luís
Debut Album
“ALMA IBÉRICA”
In May 2013, Duo Tágide was given a recording grant by the Foundation Gestão dos Direitos dos Artistas. After a rigorous selection process, covering 137 projects, the project was chosen for its cultural and artistic relevance and integrity. The Alma Ibérica CD was released in November 2014 by the label Sonus Music and launched in January 2015 at the beautiful Palácio Foz in Lisbon. The CD includes the charming Six Portuguese Songs by Spanish composer Ernesto Halffter; the Guirlanda para Federico Garcia Lorca - a collection of ten Spanish folk songs arranged by Portuguese modernist Fernando Lopes-Graça and dedicated to the great soprano Victoria de los Angeles; songs of Iberian poetry from the 15th and 16th centuries by composers Hugo Wolf, Joaquin Rodrigo, Ernesto Granados and Ernestro Toldrà; and two iconic song cycles from Joaquin Turina - 3 poems op.81 - and Manuel Ivo Cruz - Sentimental songs.
Songs by Joaquín Rodrigo, Hugo Wolf, Ernesto Halffter,
Fernando Lopes-Graça, Eduard Toldrà.
Manuel Ivo Cruz & Joaquín Turina
Duo Tágide
Soprano Inês Simões | Pianist Daniel Godinho
Sonus Music Label
Or you can find the Alma Ibérica Album on:
