Jose Vieira Brandao

Jose Vieira Brandao (1911-2002) graduated from the "Instituto Nacionalde Música" at the age of 17 as a pianist, having been awarded a gold medal. He is the last living composer who belongs to the so-called "nationalistic school," which established the fundamentals of a genuine Brazilian music. While still very young, Brandão's time was divided between piano practice, recitals, composition, and choral conducting. In his twenties, he fell under the spell of Villa-Lobos' personality. Together, they introduced the choral singing pratice in Brazilian schools. In addition to his active artistic and academic life, Brandão wrote a large number of works for solo piano, voice and piano, chamber music, choral music, a piece for piano and orchestra ("Fantasia Concertante") and an opera ("Mascaras"). Brandao died in Rio de Janeiro in 2002.