Edições Húmus and CESEM are pleased to invite you to the presentation of the book Noble et sentimental: Pedro de Freitas Branco and the interpretation of Maurice Ravel’s music by Cesário Costa. The event will occur at 4 pm on January 18 at the São João National Theatre in Porto and will feature a presentation and commentary by the author and Luísa Cymbron, in a conversation moderated by Jorge Castro Ribeiro.

During January, Cesário Costa will give a talk at El Corte Inglés in Lisbon at 6.30 pm on the 10th, followed by another at El Corte Inglés in Vila Nova de Gaia at 6.30 pm on the 31st. More information here (check pages 6 and 42). In February, there will be a conference at the Espinho I Academia Auditorium at 6.30 pm on the 20th. More information here (check page 10).

Pedro de Freitas Branco (1896-1963) was one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Portuguese music. Throughout his career, he revitalized the Portuguese musical scene by creating various opera companies, organizing the New Symphonic Concerts of Lisbon, and serving as the conductor of the Orquestra Sinfónica da Emissora Nacional. He also developed an international career, regularly conducting different European orchestras and being regarded as a leading interpreter of Maurice Ravel’s orchestral music.

This book aims to understand the reasons behind the recognition of the Portuguese conductor’s interpretations of the French composer’s works. It also seeks to explore the aesthetic dialogue established between Maurice Ravel and Pedro de Freitas Branco and how this was fundamental to Freitas Branco’s interpretations. Additionally, it examines why the French composer might have prioritized the Portuguese conductor’s interpretations and how Freitas Branco’s approach fits into the interpretive practices of Ravel’s music, alongside other performers of his time, thus defining his unique identity as an interpreter.