Guerra-Peixe’s Symphony No. 2 Brasília (Part 1)

a historical background

Abstract

This article investigates the historical circunstances that led to the composition of Symphony No. 2 Brasília, by César Guerra-Peixe, written for symphony orchestra, mixed choir and an optional narrator. The piece was originally composed for a competition organized by the Radio Station of Ministry of Education in 1960 to celebrate the inauguration of the new Brazilian capitol, originating substantial controversy, hence the first prize was not awarded and a tie was registered between three candidates in second place: Guerra-Peixe, Guerra-Vicente, and Claudio Santoro – all of them became renowned composers of Brazilian music. The Symphony Brasília by Guerra-Peixe was subject of my doctoral project in three principal fronts: production of a performance edition of the full score and parts; performance of the work in the US and Brazil, aiming to correct eventual mistakes and spread the music; and a production of historical and analytical texts.